Bill > HB1563

This bill repeals a state law that prevented counties from creating their own rules about selling tobacco products, including cigarettes, other tobacco items, and electronic smoking devices (often called "vapes"). Previously, a state law declared these sales to be a "statewide concern" and stated that any local rules on the matter were invalid, aiming for uniform regulation across Hawaii. The bill's proponents argue that tobacco use, especially among youth with the rise of vapes, remains a major public health issue, and that counties are best positioned to address the specific needs of their communities. By removing this state preemption, counties will regain the authority to enact stricter regulations on the sale of these products than what is currently mandated by state law, allowing them to respond more effectively to local health concerns and combat predatory marketing practices by tobacco companies.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1563&year=2026