Hawaii Legislature Passes Bill to Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes, Awaiting Governor's Approval
Hawaii's state legislature has passed a bill that would make it illegal to sell disposable e-cigarettes, marking a significant step in public health policy. The bill, SB2175, targets electronic smoking devices that do not have refillable cartridges or rechargeable batteries. This legislative move positions Hawaii as the first state in the U.S. to implement such a ban, following a similar measure enacted in the United Kingdom. The ban is set to take effect at the start of 2027. The decision comes in response to a dramatic 500% increase in disposable e-cigarette sales between 2019 and 2023, with these devices being particularly popular among young people. The bill also includes provisions to prevent online retailers from shipping these products to Hawaii, with violators facing fines of $1,000 per day.