Vending machines in Hawai'i's public schools may still be spitting out a few Pepsis and Cokes when schools start up again, but by the next year those soft drinks should be gone.

The state Board of Education has implemented a 100 percent healthy beverage policy, meaning only milk, flavored milk, water and fruit juice drinks with at least 50 percent fruit juice will be served from the machines.

The action was taken in response to national and local concerns about child obesity.

"Won't hurt," said BOE member Garrett Toguchi, "but this is only one small part of a program that must include physical education, extracurricular activities, summer activities — all these things are important."

Toguchi said existing contracts with vendors may prevent schools from being 100 percent healthy until July 1, 2007.

Maralan Nalani Brown, a 2006 graduate of Kahuku High and Intermediate, said despite the delay she thought the policy was right on track.

"I think it will be a good idea, actually, because of the obesity problems and what-not in our teenage years," she said. "I think it will be a good step forward for the health of kids and teachers."

Toguchi said the Board of Education's student member, Darren Ibara of Roosevelt High, spoke out against the new policy, but not out of fondness for the more sugary drinks.

"He was concerned about the effect it would have on fundraising," Toguchi said. "When athletic teams need money to travel, or a school needs new computers and can't get the money from the state, they can dip into the vending machine funds.

"But when it comes to student health," Toguchi said, "we don't want to take advantage for the sake of funding."

The new policy is an extension of a policy that went into effect last year requiring school vending machines to be stocked with 80 percent healthy drinks.

Reach Karen Blakeman at kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.