HB204

Allows counties to enact stricter tobacco sales regulations than state law.

This bill amends Hawaii law to allow counties to adopt ordinances regulating the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices, provided the ordinances are more stringent than state law. The bill repeals the preemption of local ordinances on tobacco sales, clarifying that counties can enact stricter regulations. The changes aim to address the high usage of tobacco products, particularly among youth, and to counter the marketing strategies of tobacco companies. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.