Hawaii Statewide Rule
Hawaii Vape Retail Rules and E-Cigarette Sales
Key Facts
- Retail Tobacco Permit
- Retail tobacco permit required under HRS 245-2.5.
- Sales Restricted To
- Sales restricted to age 21+ under HRS 712-1258.
- Id Verification Required
- ID verification required for buyers appearing under 30.
- Online Sellers Must
- Online sellers must comply with PACT Act and Hawaii tax.
Summary
Hawaii regulates retail sales of electronic smoking devices and e-liquid under HRS Chapter 245 and 712-1258, requiring retailer permits, age verification, and packaging standards for all vape products sold in the state.
(a) Every retailer engaged in the retail sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products upon which a tax is required to be paid under this chapter shall obtain a retail tobacco permit. (b) It shall be unlawful for any retailer engaged in the retail sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products upon which a tax is required to be paid under this chapter to sell, possess, keep, acquire, distribute, or transport cigarettes or other tobacco products for retail sale unless a retail tobacco permit has been issued to the retailer under this section and the retail tobacco permit is in full force and effect.
Full Breakdown
HRS 245-2.5 requires every retailer of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices to obtain a retail tobacco permit from the Department of Taxation. Sales of e-cigarettes, vape pens, and e-liquid are subject to the same age verification rules as combustible tobacco under HRS 712-1258, which sets the minimum sale age at 21. Retailers must verify identification for any purchaser appearing under 30. Online sales to Hawaii consumers must comply with PACT Act registration and Hawaii excise reporting. Retailers face permit suspension or revocation, plus tax penalties, for unlicensed sales. Counties have layered additional ordinances regulating where vape shops may operate and proximity to schools.
Violations & Penalties
Selling vape products without a permit or to underage purchasers carries fines up to $2,000 plus permit revocation under HRS 245.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do vape shops need a permit in Hawaii?
What is the minimum sale age for vape products?
Can I buy vape products online?
Sources
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