HI HB860

Raises the minimum legal age to purchase, possess, and use tobacco products and electronic smoking devices from 21 to 25 years of age in Hawaii.

Amends Section 321-212 to prohibit possession or consumption of tobacco by persons under 25 in public places.

Modifies Section 712-1258 to make it unlawful to sell tobacco products to anyone under 25 and requires retailers to check identification for purchasers appearing under 27 years old.

Establishes penalties including $500 fines for first-time sellers violating the age restriction and $10 fines for minors under 25 who purchase or possess tobacco products.

Takes effect upon approval; cites evidence that tobacco use causes $526,000,000 in annual healthcare costs in Hawaii and that brain development continues until age 25.