Action Alert: Restore County Authority to Regulate the Sale of Tobacco Products

RATIONALE:

Hawai‘i counties have been national leaders in tobacco regulation, and it’s time to end the 2018 state law that blocks them from acting. Flavored tobacco products attract teens and children. 90% of current middle and high school students that use e-cigarettes are using flavored e-cigarettes. This is why Honolulu, Hawai‘i, and Maui County have all passed laws ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, however, these laws can’t take effect until the state restores their authority to act.

2026 Bills:

TAKE ACTION NOW:

Public hearings are an opportunity for the public to weigh in on bills being considered by lawmakers. Submitting testimony for these hearings is an important way to let lawmakers know your position on these important issues. All you need to do is share why you are in strong support (we have some talking points below to get you started!). Each hearing may have different lawmakers, so you must submit testimony each time there is a new hearing.

Hearing Information

Bill: HB 1563 HD2
Position: Strong Support
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Committee: House Committee on Finance

How to Submit Testimony

1. Log-in /make an account on the Capitol website.
2. Go to the bill page for HB 1563 HD2 and click on the “Submit Testimony” button.
3. Upload or write your testimony in SUPPORT of the bill (It doesn’t need to be long!).
4. Please submit testimony by Tuesday, March 3, at 10:00 AM (at least 24 hours in before the hearing) to ensure your testimony is received on-time and reviewed by the committee members! Late testimony will be accepted until the time of the hearing. 

SAMPLE TESTIMONY:

Hawai‘i counties have been national leaders in tobacco regulation and it’s time to end the 2018 state law that blocks them from acting. Flavored tobacco products attract teens and children. 90% of current middle and high school students that use e-cigarettes are using flavored e-cigarettes. Please pass this bill to allow laws ending the sale of flavored tobacco products to take effect in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, and Maui County.

TALKING POINTS:

• Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable deaths.
• 1,400 people die in Hawai‘i each year from tobacco use, cutting a decade off the average smoker’s life.
• Half of smokers die from tobacco-related disease.
• In Hawai‘i more than 13% of high schoolers and 10% of middle schoolers reported using e-cigarettes in 2023.
• 82% of registered Hawai‘i voters support restoring county authority.