HB 2121: Waste Management; Disposable Electronic Smoking Devices; Sale, Offer for Sale, Distribution; Prohibition; Penalties
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-03-25
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-04-07: The committee on JDC deferred the measure.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill would ban the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of disposable electronic smoking devices in Hawaii, affecting retailers, distributors, and other sellers. It defines these devices as single‑use e‑cigarettes that are non‑refillable, have non‑rechargeable batteries, or are meant to be thrown away after use, and it creates daily fines for violations.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Beginning 1/1/2027, prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of any disposable electronic smoking devices in the State. Establishes penalties. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)
Beginning 1/1/2027, prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of any disposable electronic smoking devices in the State. Establishes penalties. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Beginning 1/1/2027, prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of any disposable electronic smoking devices in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Beginning 1/1/2027, prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of any disposable electronic smoking devices in the State.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2121 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO WASTE MANAGEMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that waste from the use of disposable electronic cigarettes poses significant environmental problems. Disposable electronic cigarettes are not recyclable, contain hazardous components like lithium batteries and liquid nicotine, and contribute to plastic pollution, landfill fires, and toxic chemical leaching into waterways. According to a study conducted by Truth Initiative, the nation's largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing youth nicotine addiction, over half of young people surveyed discarded their disposable electronic smoking devices in the trash, with less than a quarter reporting that they recycled their devices.
The legislature further finds that the local and global impact of the world's increasing waste stream is unsustainable and detrimental to the environmental integrity of the State. The exponential rise in single-use plastics and bioplastics has worsened problems related to street and beach litter, ocean pollution, and marine and other wildlife harm. An estimated eighty per cent of marine debris originates on land, primarily as escaped refuse and litter, much of it plastic, via urban runoff. It is now estimated that 8,750,000 metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year from land-based sources.
The legislature also finds that lithium-ion batteries used in disposable electronic smoking devices pose significant fire risks. Despite laws regulating the disposal of lithium-ion batteries, many are improperly discarded and end up in landfills or other inappropriate parts of the solid waste management system. The improper disposal of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries creates unnecessary safety hazards for workers and surrounding residents, while also posing environmental threats to the State's land and water resources, including the aquifer.
According to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, at least five disposable electronic smoking devices are being thrown away every second in the United States, amounting to one hundred fifty million devices per year. Yet, clear disposal guidance from federal regulatory agencies and electronic cigarette manufacturers is lacking, leaving state and local governments responsible for establishing standards to manage the environmental risks associated with electronic smoking devices.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to protect the environment from hazardous waste associated with disposable electronic smoking devices by banning the sale of these devices throughout the State.
SECTION 2. Chapter 328J, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§328J- Disposable electronic smoking devices; prohibited. (a) Beginning on January 1, 2027, it shall be unlawful for any person or entity to sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale any disposable electronic smoking device in the State.
(b) The sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of between one to twenty disposable electronic smoking devices shall constitute a single violation of this section.
(c) Violations of subsection (a) shall be subject to a fine of $ per day for each violation.
(d) As used in this section, "disposable electronic smoking device" means an electronic smoking device that is non‑refillable, has a non-rechargeable battery, or is intended to be disposed of after the contents inside the device have been used."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on January 30, 2050.
Report Title:
Waste Management; Disposable Electronic Smoking Devices; Sale, Offer for Sale, Distribution; Prohibition; Penalties
Description:
Beginning 1/1/2027, prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of any disposable electronic smoking devices in the State. Establishes penalties. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2121 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO WASTE MANAGEMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that waste from the use of disposable electronic cigarettes poses significant environmental problems. Disposable electronic cigarettes are not recyclable, contain hazardous components like lithium batteries and liquid nicotine, and contribute to plastic pollution, landfill fires, and toxic chemical leaching into waterways. According to a study conducted by Truth Initiative, the nation's largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing youth nicotine addiction, over half of young people surveyed discarded their disposable electronic smoking devices in the trash, with less than a quarter reporting that they recycled their devices.
The legislature further finds that the local and global impact of the world's increasing waste stream is unsustainable and detrimental to the environmental integrity of the State. The exponential rise in single-use plastics and bioplastics has worsened problems related to street and beach litter, ocean pollution, and marine and other wildlife harm. An estimated eighty per cent of marine debris originate on land, primarily as escaped refuse and litter, much of it plastic, via urban runoff. It is now estimated that 8,750,000 metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year from land-based sources.
The legislature also finds that lithium-ion batteries used in disposable electronic smoking devices pose significant fire risks. Despite laws regulating the disposal of lithium-ion batteries, many are improperly discarded and end up in landfills or other inappropriate parts of the solid waste system. The improper disposal of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries creates unnecessary safety hazards for workers and surrounding residents, while also posing environmental threats to the State's land and water resources, including the aquifer.
According to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, at least five disposable electronic smoking devices are being thrown away every second in the United States, amounting to one hundred fifty million devices per year. Yet, clear disposal guidance from federal regulatory agencies and electronic cigarette manufacturers is lacking, leaving state and local governments responsible for establishing standards to manage the environmental risks associated with electronic smoking devices.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to protect the environment from hazardous waste associated with disposable electronic smoking devices by banning the sale of these devices throughout the State.
SECTION 2. Chapter 328J, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§328J- Disposable electronic smoking devices; prohibited. (a) Beginning on January 1, 2027, it shall be unlawful for any person or entity to sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale any disposable electronic smoking device in the State.
(b) The sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of between one to twenty disposable electronic smoking devices shall constitute a single violation of this section.
(c) Violations of subsection (a) shall be subject to a fine of $ per day for each violation.
(d) As used in this section, "disposable electronic smoking device" means an electronic smoking device that is non-refillable, has a non-rechargeable battery, or is intended to be disposed of after the contents inside the device have been used."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Waste Management; Disposable Electronic Smoking Devices; Sale, Offer for Sale, Distribution; Prohibition; Penalties
Description:
Beginning 1/1/2027, prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of any disposable electronic smoking devices in the State. Establishes penalties. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2121 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO WASTE MANAGEMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that waste from the use of disposable electronic cigarettes poses significant environmental problems. Disposable electronic cigarettes are not recyclable and contain hazardous components like lithium batteries and liquid nicotine, and also contribute to plastic pollution, landfill fires, and toxic chemical leaching into waterways. According to a study conducted by Truth Initiative, the nation's largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing youth nicotine addiction, over half of young people surveyed discarded their disposable electronic smoking devices in the trash, with less than a quarter reporting that they recycled their devices.
The legislature further finds that the local and global impact of the world's increasing waste stream is unsustainable and detrimental to the environmental integrity of the State. The exponential rise in single-use plastics and bioplastics has worsened problems related to street and beach litter, ocean pollution, and marine and other wildlife harm. A significant portion of marine debris, estimated to be eighty per cent, originates on land, primarily as escaped refuse and litter, much of it plastic, via urban runoff. It is now estimated that 8,750,000 metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year from land-based sources.
The legislature notes that lithium-ion batteries used in disposable electronic smoking devices pose significant fire risks. Despite laws regulating the disposal of lithium-ion batteries, many are improperly discarded and end up in landfills or other inappropriate parts of the solid waste system. The improper disposal of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries creates unnecessary safety hazards for workers and surrounding residents, while also posing environmental threats to the State's land and water resources, including the aquifer.
The legislature acknowledges that according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, at least five disposable electronic smoking devices are being thrown away every second in the United States, amounting to 150,000,000 devices per year. Yet, clear disposal guidance from federal regulatory agencies and electronic cigarette manufacturers is lacking, leaving state and local governments responsible for establishing standards to manage the environmental risks associated with electronic smoking devices.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to protect the environment from hazardous waste associated with disposable electronic smoking devices by banning the sale of these devices throughout the State.
SECTION 2. Chapter 328J, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§328J- Disposable electronic smoking devices; prohibited. (a) Beginning on January 1, 2027, it shall be unlawful for any person or entity to sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale any disposable electronic smoking device in the State.
(b) The sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of between one to twenty disposable electronic smoking devices shall constitute a single violation of this section.
(c) As used in this section, "disposable electronic smoking device" means an electronic smoking device that is non-refillable, has a non-rechargeable battery, or is intended to be disposed of after the contents inside the device have been used."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Waste Management; Disposable Electronic Smoking Devices; Sale, Offer for Sale, Distribution; Prohibition
Description:
Beginning 1/1/2027, prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of any disposable electronic smoking devices in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2121 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to waste management.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that waste from the use of disposable electronic cigarettes poses significant environmental problems. Disposable electronic cigarettes are not recyclable and contain hazardous components like lithium batteries and liquid nicotine, and also contribute to plastic pollution, landfill fires, and toxic chemical leaching into waterways. According to a study conducted by Truth Initiative, the nation's largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing youth nicotine addiction, over half of young people surveyed discarded their disposable electronic smoking devices in the trash, with less than a quarter reporting that they recycled their devices.
The legislature also finds that the local and global impact of the world's increasing waste stream is unsustainable and detrimental to the environmental integrity of the State. The exponential rise in single-use plastics and bioplastics has worsened problems related to street and beach litter, ocean pollution, and marine and other wildlife harm. A significant portion of marine debris, estimated to be eighty per cent, originates on land, primarily as escaped refuse and litter, much of it plastic, via urban runoff. It is now estimated that 8,750,000 metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year from land-based sources.
The legislature notes that lithium-ion batteries used in disposable electronic smoking devices pose significant fire risks. Despite laws regulating the disposal of lithium-ion batteries, many are improperly discarded and end up in landfills or other inappropriate parts of the solid waste system. The improper disposal of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries creates unnecessary safety hazards for workers and surrounding residents, while also posing environmental threats to the State's land and water resources, including the aquifer.
The legislature acknowledges that according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, at least five disposable electronic smoking devices are being thrown away every second in the United States, amounting to 150,000,000 devices per year. Yet, clear disposal guidance from federal regulatory agencies and electronic cigarette manufacturers is lacking, leaving state and local governments responsible for establishing standards to manage the environmental risks associated with electronic smoking devices.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to protect the environment from hazardous waste associated with disposable electronic smoking devices by banning the sale of these devices throughout the State.
SECTION 2. Chapter 342G, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"Part . MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
§342G- Disposable electronic smoking devices; prohibited. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale any disposable electronic smoking device in the State.
(b) The sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of between one to twenty disposable electronic smoking devices shall constitute a single violation of this section.
(c) As used in this section:
"Disposable electronic smoking device" means an electronic smoking device that is non-refillable, has a non-rechargeable battery, or is intended to be disposed of after the contents inside the device have been used.
"Electronic smoking device" has the same meaning as in section 245-1."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Waste Management; Disposable Electronic Smoking Devices; Sale, Offer for Sale, Distribution; Prohibition
Description:
Beginning 1/1/2027, prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of any disposable electronic smoking devices in the State.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on JDC deferred the measure. |
| Apr 1, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC will hold a public decision making on 04-07-26 10:15AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from HHS/CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3237) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC. |
| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, Lamosao, McKelvey, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | The committee(s) on CPN deferred the measure until 03-24-26 9:30AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HHS were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Kanuha, Keohokalole, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) McKelvey. |
| Mar 16, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS/CPN has scheduled a public hearing on 03-20-26 9:30AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to HHS/CPN, JDC. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 363). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with Representative(s) Iwamoto voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Tuesday, 03-10-26. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from CPC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1058-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Matayoshi, Grandinetti, Chun, Ilagan, Ichiyama, Kong, Lowen, Marten, Tam; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Iwamoto; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Pierick. |
| Feb 27, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by CPC on Tuesday, 03-03-26 2:00PM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on CPC with Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Reported from HLT (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 554-26), recommending referral to CPC. |
| Feb 18, 2026 | The committee on HLT recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Takayama, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Amato, Hartsfield, Marten, Takenouchi, Alcos; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Garcia; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Olds. |
| Feb 13, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by HLT on Wednesday, 02-18-26 10:00AM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 5, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on HLT with Representative(s) Garcia, Shimizu voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Woodson excused (1). |
| Feb 5, 2026 | Reported from EEP (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 27-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to HLT. |
| Feb 3, 2026 | The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Lowen, Perruso, Chun, Kahaloa, Kusch, Matsumoto; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Quinlan. |
| Jan 30, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by EEP on Tuesday, 02-03-26 9:30AM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Referred to EEP, HLT, CPC, referral sheet 4 |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Pending introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection |
Passed |
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| Mar 20, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services |
Passed |
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| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce |
Passed |
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| Feb 18, 2026 | The committee on HLT recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Health |
Passed |
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| Feb 3, 2026 | The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| AlohaCare | *** Support | Mar 20, 2026 |
| CARES | *** Support | Feb 18, 2026 |
| CARES | ** Support | |
| Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaiʻi Youth Council | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i Youth Council | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Coalition for a Tobacco‑Free Hawaiʻi Youth Council | ** Support | |
| County of Hawaiʻi Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience | *** Support | Feb 18, 2026 |
| Department of Environmental Services of the City and County of Honolulu | ** Support | |
| Friends of Kamalani & Lydgate Park | ** Support | |
| Friends of Kamalani & Lydgate Park | ** Support | |
| Friends of Kamalani & Lydgate Park | *** Support | Mar 20, 2026 |
| Hamakua-Kohala Health | *** Support | Feb 18, 2026 |
| Hamakua-Kohala Health | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics | ** Support | |
| Hawaii COPD Coalition | *** Support | Mar 20, 2026 |
| hawaii smokers alliance | *** Against | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i Children’s Action Network Speaks! | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i Public Health Association | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i Public Health Institute | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Island of Hawaii YMCA | *** Support | Feb 18, 2026 |
| Island of Hawaii YMCA | ** Support | |
| Kapiʻolani Smokefree Families Program | *** Support | Mar 20, 2026 |
| Kapi’olani Smokefree Families Program | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Lanai Community Health Center | ** Support | |
| Lanai Community Health Center | *** Support | Feb 3, 2026 |
| Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience of the County of Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| State of Hawaii Department of Health | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| The Friends of Kamalani & Lydgate Park | ** Support | |
| University of Hawaiʻi Student Health Advisory Council | ** Support | |
| University of Hawaiʻi Student Health Advisory Council | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1058-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2121
H.D. 2
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 2121, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WASTE MANAGEMENT,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Hawaii COPD Coalition; Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center; Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Hawaiʻi Public Health Association; Hawaii Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaiʻi Youth Council; Friends of Kamalani & Lydgate Park; University of Hawaiʻi Student Health Advisory Council; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Smokers Alliance and two individuals.
Your Committee finds that disposable electronic smoking devices generate significant environmental and public health hazards due to their non-recyclable plastics, toxic chemicals, and lithium-ion batteries, which contribute to pollution, landfill fires, and chemical leaching into waterways. Your Committee also finds that improper disposal of these devices is widespread, with millions discarded nationally each day. Furthermore, there is no standardized or safe method for handling these hazardous components, which intensifies the risks to ecosystems and community health. This measure reduces the harmful waste stream created by disposable electronic smoking devices and helps protect Hawaii's environment and residents from the escalating hazards associated with these products.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Establishing a monetary penalty of an unspecified amount per day for each violation; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2121, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2121, H.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,
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____________________________ SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 554-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2121
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 2121, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WASTE MANAGEMENT,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to prohibit the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of any disposable electronic smoking device in the State beginning January 1, 2027.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience of the County of Hawaiʻi; University of Hawaiʻi Student Health Advisory Council; Hawaii COPD Coalition; Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center; Island of Hawaii YMCA; Hawaiʻi Public Health Association; Friends of Kamalani & Lydgate Park; Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaiʻi Youth Council; Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaiʻi; Hamakua-Kohala Health; Hawaiʻi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; American Academy of Pediatrics, Hawaii Chapter; CARES; and numerous individuals.
Your Committee finds that between 2017 and 2022, disposable electronic smoking devices (ESD) tripled in nicotine strength, quintupled in e-liquid capacity, and dropped nearly seventy percent in price and between February 2020 and September 2025 the proportion of total ESD unit sales attributable to disposable ESDs increased from twenty-six percent to 56.5 per cent. Your Committee further finds that disposable ESDs are cheap, widely, available, and easy to use and often come in candy or fruity flavors, making them a popular choice for teenagers and youth. However, because of a lack of appropriate handling guidelines, most individuals throw their disposable ESDs into the regular trash, which allows for microplastics and harmful chemicals inside the products to leach into the environment. This measure is intended to protect the public health and safeguard the State's communities and natural resources by prohibiting the sale of disposable electronic smoking devices.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2121, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,
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____________________________ GREGG TAKAYAMA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 27-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2121
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 2121 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WASTE MANAGEMENT,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Environmental Services of the City and County of Honolulu; Hawaii COPD Coalition; Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center; Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute; The Friends of Kamalani & Lydgate Park; Coalition for a Tobacco‑Free Hawaiʻi Youth Council; Lanai Community Health Center; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Hawaii Smokers Alliance and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health.
Your Committee finds that waste from disposable electronic smoking devices contributes to plastic pollution, landfill fires, and the exposure of toxic chemicals in waterways. Your Committee further finds that federal guidance regarding disposal practices for these devices is lacking, leaving state and local jurisdictions responsible for establishing waste management policies. This measure seeks to lessen plastic pollution in the State and protect the environment by banning the sale of disposable electronic smoking devices.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2121, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2121, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Health.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,
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____________________________ NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 7, 2026 | HB2121_SD1_TESTIMONY_JDC_04-07-26_.PDF |
| Mar 20, 2026 | HB2121_HD2_TESTIMONY_CPN-HHS_03-20-26_.PDF |
| Mar 3, 2026 | HB2121_HD1_TESTIMONY_CPC_03-03-26_.PDF |
| Feb 18, 2026 | HB2121_HD1_TESTIMONY_HLT_02-18-26_.PDF |
| Feb 3, 2026 | HB2121_TESTIMONY_EEP_02-03-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
24SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services
1MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
1MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services
10MIN
House Standing Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce
10MIN
