HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0593.045 2022-2024 P/C/uunci l
till 102
COHM,5g3
rmh RETAIL
MERCHANTS
OF HAWAII
CJCD
TESTIMONY OF TINA YAMAKI, PRESIDENT c.7.73 CY
RETAIL MERCHANTS OF HAWAII --+
December 20, 2023 ,; a
LJ
Re: BILL 102 (2023) D2—AMENDS CHAPTER 14
OF THE HAWAII CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), F
BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE RELATING TO w :
THE PROHIBITION OF FLAVORED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Aloha, Chair Kimball members of the Hawaii County Council. I am Tina Yamaki, President of the Retail Merchants of
Hawaii and I appreciate this opportunity to testify.
The Retail Merchants of Hawaii is a statewide not-for-profit trade organization committed to supporting the retail industry
and businesses in Hawaii. The retail industry is one of the largest employers in the state, with 27%of the jobs in Hawaii
supported by thetretail industry.
We respectfully oppose BILL 102(2023)Draft 2 that Amends Chapter 14 of the Hawaii Code 1983(2016 Edition, as Amended), by
Adding a New Article Relating to the Prohibition of Flavored Tobacco Products.
It is our understanding that e-liquid available worldwide are"flavored." Because many do not contain tobacco,e-liquids have no
"natural tobacco"taste,or any taste for that matter,without the addition of flavorings. These flavored e-liquids are enjoyed by
many adults as well as menthol cigarettes,cigars,chewing and pipe tobacco.
This bill would essentially ban all e-liquids as well as flavored tobacco products and compel people to purchase these goods
online or on the black market or on military bases or try to make it themselves and essentially force many small local
businesses who sells these items to shut down,thus leaving many of our family,friends,and neighbors out of work.
If this is to deter underage use, Hawaii currently has a law in place that states that it is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years
to purchase electronic vaping devices,e-liquids,and tobacco products. However,adults that are 21 and older are able to purchase
these items and enjoy them like menthol cigarettes or an electronic vaping device with their favorite flavored e-liquid.
We also want to make it clear that retailers are not the ones selling the vaping devices to those who are under 21 years of age. Many
of whom are underage are obtaining their cigarettes and vaping devices from their parents,family members,older of age
friends or purchasing them on the black market. We have seen a significant spike in theft and tobacco and vape products are a
favorite to be stolen. Those selling the stolen goods do not card to see how old someone is.
We wonder why are there NOT more stricter laws and consequences aimed at the minors who are vaping and/or
smoking cigarettes or those who purchase the products for the minors? Why is the Department of Education not
cracking down on those who vape on campus if so many students are doing this? Why are adults who can
legally purchase these items going to be denied if the aim is at minors?
Flavored tobacco and E-Cigarettes will not go away. People will still be able to purchase them on the black market,on the dark web or
on military bases or try to make it themselves and essentially force many small local businesses who sells these items to shut down,
thus leaving many of our family,friends,and neighbors out of work.
We urge you to hold this measure. Mahalo again for this opportunity to testify.
Comm. No.
9 Ref. To: t MAIM
Waialae Ave•Honolulu,HI 96816 (808)592-4200 tyamaki@rmhavKeioffate DEC 2 0 2023