HB 1327 Summary

• Prohibits retailers from selling, offering for sale, or possessing flavored tobacco products beginning January 1, 2021, including products with fruit, mint, menthol, chocolate, candy, and dessert flavors.

• Prohibits mislabeling e-liquid products as nicotine-free when they contain nicotine and restricts marketing or advertising of electronic smoking devices in a manner designed to appeal to individuals under 21 years old.

• Establishes penalties of up to $500 for first offenses and $500-$2,000 for subsequent offenses, with each flavored tobacco product counted as a separate violation; fines directed to the Hawaii tobacco prevention and control trust fund.

• Classifies flavored tobacco products found in a retailer's possession as contraband subject to immediate seizure, forfeiture, and destruction.

• Allows counties to adopt more stringent restrictions on flavored tobacco products than state law requires, with the more restrictive standard prevailing in case of conflict.