The state spends $9.1 million annually on tobacco prevention, which is 84 percent of the minimum amount recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says the report released today by a coalition of public health groups.

Only three states — Maine, Delaware and Colorado — meet recommended minimum levels set for each state by the CDC. Fourteen are funding tobacco prevention programs at about half the minimum levels, and 28 states and the District of Columbia are spending less than half the minimum amount.

Another five states — Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire and Tennessee — allocate no significant state funds for tobacco prevention, the report says.

The annual report was released by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association.

Last year, Hawai`i ranked 14th, spending $5.8 million on tobacco prevention.

The study also found that tobacco companies spend about $48 million a year on marketing in the islands.

The state put the Smoke-Free Hawaii Law into effect last month, banning smoking in all public places such as restaurants, bowling alleys, malls as well as from curb to cabin at airports.

Many of the islands already had county laws limiting smoking, but lighting up now in partially enclosed areas, bars and less than 20 feet from doorways and windows is illegal.

A large marketing plan was launched to make people aware of the new law.

In addition, the report says Hawai`i will receive $126.6 million from the 1998 state tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes, but will spend just 7.2 percent of that on tobacco prevention.

"Hawai`i is making important progress in reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke with its new smoke-free workplace law and a solid commitment to funding tobacco prevention programs," William Corr, executive director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said in a news release.

The report says the nation's progress in reducing smoking is at risk unless states boost funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs. The United States has significantly reduced smoking among youth and adults over the past decade, but recent government surveys indicate this progress has stalled.