Yesterday, Governor Josh Green, M.D. signed long-sought legislation to address youth vaping.

S.B. No. 975, S.D. 2, H.D. 3, C.D. 1, now Act 62, establishes the offense of unlawful shipment of tobacco products. This includes electronic smoking devices and e-liquids under the definition of “tobacco products” for purposes of the cigarette tax and tobacco tax law.

In a statement Governor Green said, “This legislation has been years in the making and I applaud the Department of Health and all the advocates, including youth advocates, who have successfully stewarded this to fruition. This new law is going to improve the health of our young people and will prevent damaging addiction to nicotine for many, many of our keiki. That said, I know we all have more work to do in addressing vaping in our society, especially in our youth culture. I know that the Health Department and my former colleagues in the Senate and House are going to stay focused on this as part of their ongoing efforts for the health and safety of the people of Hawai‘i.”

Act 62, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi takes effect on July 1, 2023.

Photo credit: Office of Governor Josh Green