Bill > SB972

This bill prohibits the sale of flavored nicotine products, including those with menthol or other fruit, candy, or dessert-like flavors, starting January 1, 2026, to address youth nicotine addiction and reduce tobacco-related health disparities. The legislation defines "flavored nicotine product" broadly as any nicotine product with a distinguishable taste or smell other than tobacco, and covers various products like cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, and e-liquids. Retailers who sell flavored nicotine products or mislabel e-liquids as nicotine-free will face fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 per offense, with each day of violation considered a separate offense. The bill also authorizes the Department of Health to appoint inspectors, seize contraband products, and adopt administrative rules to enforce the new regulations. Additionally, the legislation establishes two full-time program specialist positions to review and initiate inspections and one full-time hearings officer position to preside over related administrative hearings. The bill cites research showing that flavored tobacco products disproportionately attract youth and people of color, and estimates that ending the sale of flavored tobacco could save Hawaii $48 million in long-term healthcare costs and prevent hundreds of premature deaths.