Honolulu City Council Passes Bill 46 (2023) Relating to Flavored Tobacco

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI -  The Honolulu City Council passed Bill 46 (2023) related to flavored tobacco at the Regular Full Council Meeting on Wednesday with a vote of 6-3.

Bill 46 (2023), aims to define and prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products within the City and County of Honolulu. The escalating use of electronic smoking devices, commonly known as "vapes," has led to a significant rise in youth nicotine addiction. These devices have been linked to severe lung disease, potential harm to brain development, and acute nicotine poisoning. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, across a range of tobacco products, flavorings are one of the main reasons that youth initiate tobacco use.

“I believe that this is just the beginning of our work to address this critical issue.”  said Council Chair Tommy Waters. “There is still much to be done at the state level to address preemption issues, and the discussion today additionally indicates to me that, moving forward, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure these policies deliver the desired results and minimize unintended consequences.”

“As Housing, Sustainability, and Health Committee Chair, this bill represents a critical first step toward fighting the youth vaping epidemic,” said Councilmember Matt Weyer. “The bill also aims to protect the health of historically marginalized communities by prohibiting menthol, a tobacco flavoring that has negatively impacted and contributed to public health disparities in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. I hope that the County and State can work together to continue the conversation and make more progress in protecting the health of our communities.”

For more information and to view the Regular Full Council meeting agenda visit: www.honolulucitycouncil.org.

The Honolulu City Council convenes a Regular Full Council meeting once a month on a Wednesday, with the exception of instances when Special Full Council meetings are scheduled. For more information on the legislative process, please visit www.honolulucitycouncil.org/lawmaking-101.

Council Chair Waters represents City Council District 4, which includes Hawai‘i Kai, Kuli‘ou‘ou, Niu Valley, ‘Āina Haina, Wailupe, Wai‘alae Iki, Kalani Valley, Kāhala, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimukī, Kapahulu, Diamond Head, and Waikīkī. 

Councilmember Weyer represents City Council District 2, which includes Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Wahiawā, Mokulē‘ia, Waialua, Hale‘iwa, Pūpūkea, Sunset Beach, Kahuku, Lā‘ie, Hau‘ula, Punalu‘u, Kahana, Ka‘a‘awa, Kualoa, Waiāhole, and Kahalu‘u.

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