HI SB1528

Increases the cigarette excise tax from 16 cents to 18 cents per cigarette and little cigar, effective January 1, 2026.

Allocates the 2-cent tax increase entirely to the Hawaii Cancer Research Special Fund for research, operating expenses, and capital expenditures.

Maintains existing cigarette tax allocations to trauma system special fund (1.125 cents, capped at $7.4 million annually), community health centers special fund (1.25 cents, capped at $8.8 million annually), and emergency medical services special fund (1.25 cents, capped at $8.8 million annually).

Addresses declining cigarette tax revenues to the cancer research fund caused by reduced smoking rates, ensuring continued debt service payments for revenue bonds and funding for the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center serving Hawaii and the Pacific.