Bill > HB156

This bill addresses tobacco product regulation in Hawaii by repealing existing state law that previously prevented counties from creating their own local tobacco-related ordinances. Specifically, the bill removes language that preempted and nullified local regulations on the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices (often called "vapes"). The legislation aims to empower counties to adopt their own ordinances regulating tobacco sales, as long as those local rules are more stringent than state law and do not directly conflict with existing state regulations. The bill is motivated by alarming youth tobacco use statistics, with surveys showing that nearly half of high school students have tried electronic smoking devices, and the legislature's recognition of tobacco companies' aggressive marketing tactics targeting young people. By allowing counties more flexibility to create local regulations, the bill seeks to provide more responsive and community-specific approaches to addressing tobacco use, particularly among youth. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and do not impact any rights, penalties, or proceedings that occurred before the bill's effective date.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=156&year=2025