Bill > SB468

This bill aims to repeal a previous law (Act 206 from 2018) that established statewide uniform regulations on tobacco product sales and preempted local ordinances. The bill's context is rooted in growing concerns about youth tobacco and nicotine use, particularly with electronic smoking devices (or "vapes"), which have seen dramatic increases in usage among middle and high school students in Hawaii. According to the 2019 Hawaii Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 31% of middle school students and 48% of high school students had tried electronic smoking devices, with 18% of middle school students and 31% of high school students currently vaping. By repealing the existing statutory language, the bill will allow local governments (counties) to create their own regulations and restrictions on the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices, giving them more flexibility to address the youth vaping epidemic. The legislation reflects the legislature's belief that combating youth nicotine addiction requires collaborative efforts across different levels of government and multiple stakeholders, including youth, parents, and educational institutions.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=468&year=2026