After 20 years of steady progress to reduce tobacco consumption in Hawaii to one of the lowest rates in the nation, the lack of regulation on electronic smoking devices (ESDs) statewide has fueled a frightening youth vaping epidemic across our state. Our Legislature has a golden opportunity in this legislative session to take strong action to protect the long-term health of our keiki.

Like many across our state, the scope of the epidemic slipped by our attention until now. In 2017 (the last year data is available), 1 in 4 high school students (26%) and nearly 2 out of 10 middle school students (16%) used electronic smoking devices (ESDs) statewide. In stark contrast, in the same year, the rate for youth smoking of combustible cigarettes was much lower 8%, demonstrating that ESDs are the new choice among youth. Rates undoubtedly are even higher today as more products have entered the market.

What’s worse, our keiki are inhaling extreme levels of nicotine through these devices. Many ESD products have as much nicotine in a single disposable cartridge as two packs of cigarettes, or more. Research by the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, validated by many studies in the U.S. and internationally, indicates that ESD users who have not previously used tobacco products are up to four times more likely than non-users to start smoking combustible cigarettes. These products have created an entirely new generation of Hawaii residents who are dependent on nicotine — and perhaps, will be throughout their lives.

As a member of the business community in Hawaii, I’m concerned about the health effects of the youth vaping epidemic on our state’s future. Smoking is already the No. 1 preventable cause of death in our state, responsible for an estimated 1,400 deaths each year. Not only is this a loss to the fabric of our community, but it adds over $526 million in health care costs annually and an estimated $387 million in annual productivity losses.

If strong action is not taken to slow the use of ESDs among our youth, these numbers will only climb, resulting in more addiction, suffering and premature death for future generations. We have been down this dark road before and we know where it leads. It is time to act.

Unlike all other tobacco products in Hawaii, ESDs containing nicotine are not regulated or taxed. Although Hawaii’s Tobacco Age 21 law applies to ESDs, the products remain easily accessible to our keiki through online sales, lax age screening, cheaper prices compared with other tobacco products, attractive kid-friendly flavors, and social media advertising targeted to youth.

Recent federal restrictions on ESDs have big loopholes for certain products and will not slow the epidemic. These pathways to easy access can be blocked by passing state laws regulating and taxing ESDs in the same or similar way as other tobacco products. Research backs this up, showing that raising prices through tax increases is highly effective in reducing youth tobacco consumption.

There also needs to be a complete ban on flavors, including menthol, that are used unethically to attract and hook the next generation of youth customers. There are several good bills pending in the Legislature to accomplish these goals.

The question now is this: What’s more important than protecting the health of our youth?

Robert S. Harrison, CEO of First Hawaiian Bank, chairs the Hawaii Executive Collaborative Health & Wellness CHANGE Committee as well as HMSA’s board of directors.