Anti-Vaping Legislation Signed Into Law

On June 6, Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed legislation that addresses youth vaping which is turning into an epidemic worldwide.

“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,” said Green.

“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.”

The new law strengthens keiki health protection against unlawful tobacco products which includes electronic smoking devices and e-liquids under the term “tobacco products.”

“The science is clear that having appropriate taxes helps reduce the initiation of nicotine-containing products, especially for young people,” said pediatrician Bryan Mih, M.D., Medical Director of the Kapi‘olani Smokefree Families Program at Hawai‘i Pacific Health.

“We now have a new law that will help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and decrease the number of young people and children becoming lifetime nicotine addicts.”

The new law will take effect on July 1, 2023.