Bill > HB380

This bill seeks to repeal existing state law that previously declared the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices (often called "vapes") a statewide concern and preempted local ordinances regulating these products. The legislative findings highlight a significant youth tobacco use problem in Hawaii, with alarming statistics showing that 31% of middle school students and 48% of high school students had tried electronic smoking devices, and 18% of middle school students and 31% of high school students currently vape. By removing the statewide preemption, the bill aims to allow local governments more flexibility in regulating tobacco and electronic smoking device sales, with the ultimate goal of addressing the youth vaping epidemic. The bill acknowledges previous state efforts to combat tobacco use, such as raising the minimum smoking age to 21 and implementing clean indoor air laws, but recognizes that additional local-level interventions may be necessary to effectively reduce youth access to and use of these addictive products. The bill will take effect on July 1, 3000 (which appears to be a placeholder date), and does not impact rights, penalties, or proceedings that existed before its implementation.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=380&year=2026