Governor Josh Green, M.D. has signed a new bill into law to address youth vaping in Hawai’i, with the goal of reducing teenage addiction to nicotine. The bill, S.B. No. 975, S.D. 2, H.D. 3, C.D. 1, which is now Act 62, will prohibit shipments of electronic smoking devices and e-liquids to minors.

The Dangers of Youth Vaping

The new law is designed to combat the increase of vaping amongst young people. Senator Karl Rhoads commented that “SB 975 is a step in the right direction in our fight to curb the use of e-cigarettes among our youth population, while also providing comprehensive regulation of tobacco products in Hawai’i.”

The rise of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), such as e-cigarettes, vapes, and Juuls has led to a public health crisis among youth worldwide, with alarming numbers of teens becoming addicted to vaping. The law hopes to reduce the exposure of harmful chemicals to children and teenagers, protecting them from becoming lifetime nicotine addicts.

Impact on Hawaiian Society

The anti-vaping bill aims to decrease the negative health impact of tobacco products in Hawai’i’s communities. By increasing the price of vaping products, legislators hope to make them less available and less attractive to both adults and children. Senator Jarrett Keohokalole said, “This bill will reduce access and availability of electronic smoking devices to children and teens and stem the tide of vaping addiction overwhelming our schools.”

The bill received overwhelming youth support from advocates during its long-awaited passage. Josh Ching, a public health advocate and 2022 National Youth Advocate of the Year, emphasizes the commitment needed from all individuals to take on the large tobacco industry.

Looking to the Future

The new legislation, which will become effective from July 1st, 2023, will help protect the health of young people in Hawai’i and prevent damaging addiction to nicotine. However, the law is just the beginning in addressing the culture of vaping in Hawaiian society, and more work needs to be done to curb the use of vaping devices in youth populations.

Media Contact:

For more information and media queries, please contact:

Erika Engle, Press Secretary, Office of the Governor, Phone: (808) 586-0120, Email: [email protected]
Makana McClellan, Director of Communications, Office of the Governor, State of Hawai’i, Cell: (808) 265-0083, Email: [email protected]