HB 1248 Summary

• Establishes a statewide vaping store registry requiring all retailers and distributors of electronic smoking devices and e-liquids to register annually with the Department of Health beginning January 1, 2026.

• Charges an annual registration fee of $250 per vaping store, with fees deposited into the Hawaii tobacco prevention and control trust fund.

• Authorizes the Department of Health to conduct annual inspections of registered vaping stores for compliance with federal and state laws, with violations subject to fines up to $5,000, suspension, or revocation of registration.

• Prohibits vaping stores from operating without valid registration, selling products to individuals under age 21, or selling counterfeit or unregulated products.

• Takes effect July 1, 2025, with amendments to Chapter 321 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to create the new registry framework and related enforcement provisions.