HAGATNA, Guam — Smokers on Guam are waiting to see if they will be paying the second highest tobacco tax in the United States.

The Legislature of the U.S. territory on Friday approved a bill to increase the $1 tax on a pack of cigarettes to $3.
If signed into law by Gov. Felix Camacho, Guam would tie Connecticut for second place behind Rhode Island’s tax of $3.46 a pack.
Lawmakers say the intent of the increase is to stem the tide of smoking-related illnesses on the island.
American Medical Center family physician Dr. Vincent Taijeron Akimoto says tobacco abuse has led to hospitals being filled with people suffering from heart and lung disease.
If Akimoto had his way, Guam’s tobacco tax would increase by $10 a pack.