Vaping conference will be packed

LIHUE — A conference to raise awareness about the vaping epidemic in Kauai sold out nearly a week before the event, which is scheduled for Thursday morning at Kauai Community College.

As of last Friday, 100 participants had already signed up to attend the Kauai Youth Vaping Epidemic Conference, reaching maximum capacity, according to the conference’s website.

Kauai Rural Health Association and the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii are sponsoring the meeting, described as a half-day conference, “dedicated to increasing awareness, knowledge and opening up the discussion on the vaping epidemic impacting the Kauai community.”

Attendees will learn about different types of vaping devices, the health impacts of nicotine use and addiction and local resources for education and treatment.

Speakers will include Diana Felton, State Toxicologist with the Hawaii State Department of Health and Trish La Chica, Policy and Advocacy Director for the Hawaii Public Health Institute.