Bill > HB1116

This bill addresses the sale of flavored tobacco products in Hawaii by comprehensively banning the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including those with menthol or products that create a cooling sensation, starting July 1, 2026. The legislation is driven by public health concerns, particularly the impact of flavored tobacco on youth, noting that 81% of youth who use tobacco first started with flavored products and that electronic smoking device use among Hawaii's youth has increased dramatically. The bill defines "flavored tobacco products" broadly to include any tobacco product that imparts a taste or odor other than tobacco, or creates a cooling or numbing sensation. Retailers who sell such products will face fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 per offense, and any flavored tobacco products found in a retailer's possession can be seized or destroyed. To support implementation, the bill establishes three new full-time equivalent positions at the Department of Health and appropriates $1,000,000 for enforcement. Additionally, the bill repeals a previous statute that preempted local regulations on tobacco sales, allowing counties to potentially adopt even stricter restrictions. The goal is to reduce tobacco use, particularly among young people, by eliminating the marketing tactics that make tobacco products more appealing through flavoring.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1116&year=2025