On March 18, the Hawaii State Capitol was filled with the energy of nearly 100 student advocates for Take Down Tobacco Day, and AlohaCare was right there with them! While we were proud to return as an official sponsor of the event, our impact went beyond financial support. We want to share a special mahalo to one of our very own team members, Maria Rallojay who stepped up to volunteer as a Group Leader for the day. Maria helped coach and facilitated critical discussions between students and state lawmakers. As these young leaders called for a ban on disposable e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco, she helped them find their voices, refine their talking points, and navigate the halls of the Capitol with confidence.

Why It Matters

Supporting “Take Down Tobacco Day” aligns directly with our mission to build a healthier, more equitable Hawaii. By empowering the next generation to take a stand against the tobacco industry, we are investing in long-term prevention and community wellness.

Mahalo to our team for showing up, leading by example, and representing the heart of AlohaCare at the Capitol!

Learn More about this year’s Take Down Tobacco Day here: Youth rally at Capitol calls for ban on disposable e-cigarettes in Hawaii