HI HB1636

Increases tobacco sales license fee from $2.50 to $500 annually for wholesalers and dealers of cigarettes and tobacco products.

Increases excise tax on cigarettes and little cigars to 22.50 cents per unit effective November 1, 2018 (from previous 16.00 cents as of July 1, 2011).

Increases excise tax on tobacco products other than large cigars to 80% of wholesale price effective July 1, 2018 (from previous 70% as of September 30, 2009).

Maintains 50% excise tax on large cigars of any length, applied to wholesale price.

Intended to reduce tobacco consumption in Hawaii by increasing costs for sellers and consumers, citing public health data on tobacco-related deaths and health care costs.