Bill > SB1435

This bill aims to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in Hawaii, starting July 1, 2026, in response to the public health risks associated with tobacco use, particularly among youth. The legislation defines "flavored tobacco products" as those with a distinguishable taste or smell other than tobacco, including fruit, candy, menthol, and products that create a cooling or numbing sensation. Retailers will be prohibited from selling flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and e-liquid products, and from mislabeling nicotine-containing products as nicotine-free. Violations will result in fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 per offense, with each day of violation considered a separate offense. The bill also establishes two full-time program specialist positions and one hearings officer position within the Department of Health to enforce the ban, and appropriates $1,000,000 for implementation. Additionally, the bill repeals a previous statute that preempted local regulations on tobacco product sales, allowing counties to adopt even stricter restrictions if desired. The legislation is motivated by data showing high rates of youth tobacco use, the appeal of flavored products to young people, and the long-term health risks associated with nicotine addiction.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1435&year=2026