Tyson Suzuki from Hawaii will shortly be attending the Greenpeace Summit "change it" http://www.changeit08.org/. Before setting off, i-genius caught up with him to ask him about the event and his work as a leading anti tobacco campaigner.

Editor: What is the ‘Change It’ summit all about?
T. Suzuki: It is a summit that occurs once a year where young adults are accepted to participate in a summit where they will be trained and equipped with knowledge and skills to be the change in the environment and green revolution. Out of hundreds of applicants a few are chosen. They will have already lined up some incredible speakers, including Dennis Hayes, the founder of Earth Day, and Greenpeace Executive Director, John Passacantando.

Editor: Most of you work has been tobacco campaign related. Do you feel the fight has won?
T.Suzuki: I feel that I have made my impact in the fight for tobacco control. My involvement has lead me from a grass roots community level, state level, national level, and international level. I have created a positive impact on social norms in tobacco control and also sat on various strategic planning committees to keep strong policies  and funding for the counter marketing initiatives. I do not believe it is over, however I do feel it is time for me to take on a bigger issue.

Editor: Do you think that tobacco companies have a good side to them?
T.Suzuki: I think that they have an accountable side. They do sometimes invest into awareness campaigns which makes me wonder if they are holding through on cooperate accountability, but sometimes they do have health marketing campaigns that are planned obsolescence driven. I do not believe that any industry that produces a product that has an end result that kills it’s customer is meant to be good. It is the nature of the beast.

Editor: Do you drink alcohol?
T.Suzuki: Alcohol… Depends on the occasion really. I don’t really drink a lot cause I light up like a Christmas tree on the eve. If have a special occasion or a worthwhile social gathering I may partake.

Editor: Who would I have dinner with (past or present)?
T.Suzuki: Jesus Christ! No doubt, I would love to have dinner with him cause I want to see a miracle. Yeah big J is my home boy.

Editor: Thank you Tyson Suzuki!