SB 182 Summary

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 328J-15 to allow counties to adopt and enforce ordinances regulating the sale or use of cigarettes, tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices without state preemption.

• Requires county ordinances to be no less protective of public health than state law, changing the standard from being "at least as protective of the rights of nonsmokers."

• Repeals Section 328J-11.5, which had declared the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices a statewide concern and preempted all conflicting local ordinances and regulations.

• Recognizes that tobacco use causes approximately 1,400 deaths annually in Hawaii and costs $526 million in direct health care expenditures, and notes that local policies enable targeted approaches to reduce public health disparities.

• Takes effect upon approval and does not affect rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that occurred before the effective date.