Hawaii legislation (HB 2557) would tax e-cigarettes at 70% of wholesale price, ban sales to minors

[Bill Godshall]

Hawaii bill (HB 2557) would wisely ban e-cigarette sales to minors, but would also tax e-cigarettes at 70% of wholesale price (to discourage smokers from switching to e-cigarettes).
Measure Status
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2012/Bills/HB2557_.pdf

Hawaii also taxes all smokeless tobacco products at 70% of wholesale prices to discourage smokers from switching.
http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/pdf/0169.pdf

 

[Bill Godshall]

Please note that the sponsor of HB 2557 is HI Speaker of the House Calvin Say, who is a Democrat
Legislative Members

Seems like Say is the sponsor of most of the House bills introduced this session.

Also note that on the last page of the bill, $140,000 for the General Fund is cited.
Not sure if that's the anticipated new tax revenue, or if that's an appropriation for the State to enforce the e-cig tax hike and ban on sales to minors.

 

[Placebo Effect]

Joe from VolcanoECigs is already calling up the sponsor and his own reps, making plans to rally troops, etc.

 

[kristin]

Wow - love the liberal use of "can" and "may" in that impact statement.

"The public may see a reduction in the harm caused by misuse of the e-cigarette device by people under 18 and recognize that e-cigarettes are yet another form of nicotine delivery that can lead to use of other tobacco products in youth."

What evidence of harm is there to reduce?? What evidence that it leads to use of other forms of tobacco?? OMG, these people are unbelievable!

 

[D4rk50ul]

Its such an obvious money grab from a state that is still suffering from the decline of tourism since 9/11 and the Tsunami in Japan its not even laughable. I do like how they mask the real point of the bill (70% tax) by using an issue I think we all agree on, we don't want e-cigarettes in the hands of minors.

 

[Placebo Effect]

Its such an obvious money grab from a state that is still suffering from the decline of tourism since 9/11 and the Tsunami in Japan its not even laughable. I do like how they mask the real point of the bill (70% tax) by using an issue I think we all agree on, we don't want e-cigarettes in the hands of minors.

Are you near the state house? We'll need a huge line of speakers when this eventually gets a committee hearing.

 

[D4rk50ul]

Are you near the state house? We'll need a huge line of speakers when this eventually gets a committee hearing.

I live about 5 minutes from the state buildings, I'll keep up to date on this and would be willing to be in the line if and when the time comes.

 

[Corpa]

It appears Hawaii's finest lawmaker at it again..

I like this statement "nicotine delivery that can lead to use of other tobacco products" and this one "cartridges which contain high levels of nicotine."

First of all many from Hawaii on this forum, myself included stopped analogs with the use of a pv and second, what about those of us which use "0" nicotine and no tobacco.

All I say is thank goodness we are going home next month to the mainland however I haven't kept up on CA so might be going from fire to frying pan.

 

[Bill Godshall]

Imposing a 70% tax on e-cigarettes in Hawaii would result in many/most e-cig vendors (in HI) to shut down or relocate, while encouraging e-cigarette consumers in Hawaii to buy online from vendors located outside the state.

Although some states have taken legal action to collect unpaid cigarette taxes (from residents who bought cigarettes via the Internet to avoid paying state taxes) by obtaining contact info and sales data from Internet sellers, I'm not aware that any states have attempted to collect unpaid taxes on cigars or smokeless tobacco products (that are purchased via the internet from other states).

Although the PACT Act has shut down many internet sellers of smokeless tobacco and cigarettes, Pennsylvania is now the largest seller of cigars in the US because PA doesn't tax cigars, and because many cigar dealers in PA sell via the internet or mail order to consumers in other states.

That is why it will be very difficult (and very expensive) for the Hawaii Revenue Department to try collecting taxes from e-cigarette consumers who live in Hawaii, but who purchase their e-cigs from out-of-state internet retailers.

 

[VapoVamp]

Joe from VolcanoECigs is already calling up the sponsor and his own reps, making plans to rally troops, etc.

BIG GOV...BIG PROBLEMS....for the "We the People...." Haven't they got the forsight to understand parents have to be responsible and BIG GOV canNOT raise all children. I sure wish my parents vaped instead of smoked.....I would have been alot healthier......Keep us posted on this matter so all ECF vapors can fall in line. If 1 bill is passed on our PV'S you can be sure regulation is eminent. "I'll give you my PV when you pry it from my cold, dead hands!" See you in the vapehaze

 

[D4rk50ul]

I'm also moving back to the mainland soon but would fly back to speak on behalf of e-cigarette users. The price of traditional cigarettes here is around $10 and has steadily increased as they deploy new laws to rid the island of smoking altogether. I know that in my experience the extra cost that was added did nothing to prevent me from smoking, it just made me have less money for more important things in my life. The fact that they are willing to disregard the obvious health benefits some users have reported after switching from traditional cigarettes to electronic devices seems to completely contradict what their ultimate goal is. If they truly want to help people get away from a product that has been proven to kill its users with great regularity perhaps they should instead support this new alternative and it's industry by providing fair laws. Beyond the obvious health benefits how will driving prices up and driving jobs away from Hawaii help people who live in one of the most expensive places to live in the US, not everyone here is a millionaire.

I feel like as a sound minded adult I have the right to make a personal choice about my own health. If I feel that using an electronic cigarette affects my current health in a positive way and am aware that long term effects could possibly be negative I am willing to accept that. In 20 years when "proper studies" have been completed there is a good chance I won't be around to reap the benefits of an electronic device due to traditional cigarettes and the damage they have done to me. I won't be scared away with fear tactics because I can FEEL the positive impact vaping has had on me.

I take walks in Waikiki on a regular basis. I used to get approached by people (possibly minors) constantly asking for a cigarette and always said no, but then would see them receive one from others. Show me someone who is going to give their PV away. It is NOT a "gateway" device for new users it is a "savior" device for people who have tried everything else and failed. Having an electronic cigarette shop in town (Volcano) has been great because when people ask me about my device I can point them to a knowledgeable and local store who can provide them with accurate advice and physically ensure that they are not selling to a minor. This ability to go somewhere local and see for themselves so they can make their own educated decision is key in possibly making a positive impact on their health, as it makes it much more accessible to current smokers. Go down to your local tobacco selling store with your laptop and offer current smokers the chance to look at ECF and research electronic cigarettes, and watch how many just walk in and buy a pack of cigarettes and continue to be a slave to their addiction.

Sorry for the long post, I'm just tired of being told that I am not able to make my own decisions and to just die quietly.

 

[Placebo Effect]

Hawaii residents should consider sending an e-mail to Representative Say informing him of the drastic consequences of this bill -- Legislators

Keep in mind Say may be completely ignorant of what e-cigs are and how they help people, so be nice!

Edit: Make sure to note that you support the minor ban, and perhaps forward your e-mail to your state house rep and senator.

 

[MrsCasey]

I continue to be amazed that so many of these proposed bans and arguments against E-Cigs claim that a major concern is that E-Cigs could be a gateway to analog cigarettes. If that is true than why not ban cigarettes instead of E-Cigs? Taxing smokeless tobacco at 70% would take the option of harm reduction away from so many people. This is so wrong!

 

[Vocalek]

I continue to be amazed that so many of these proposed bans and arguments against E-Cigs claim that a major concern is that E-Cigs could be a gateway to analog cigarettes. If that is true than why not ban cigarettes instead of E-Cigs? Taxing smokeless tobacco at 70% would take the option of harm reduction away from so many people. This is so wrong!

And if that is true, how do they explain the fact that so many smokers, after having switched to e-cigarettes, have no desire to light up ever again?

 

[Placebo Effect]

Having called Rep. Say's office, it turns out Say introduced this legislation because it is part of the Governor's package of proposals.

That's why Say introduced so much legislation this session -- he's the Speaker, and is acting at the behest of the Governor.

Say's Chief of Staff should be contacting me, as well as one of the governor's reps.

 

[Ande]

And if that is true, how do they explain the fact that so many smokers, after having switched to e-cigarettes, have no desire to light up ever again?

It's a gateway drug, alright. For me, it has been the gateway FROM smoking.

Guess we have to tell'em. Again.

Has anyone got addresses for Say et all? I'm overseas and can't visit, but would like to drop them a letter...


Best,
Ande

 

[surfsuphere]

I do not live in the lovely state of HI, but everyone who thinks "oh, why bother, little ole me can't do anything" - please remember the amazing impact the users of the Internet had with stopping the horrid SOPA bill in Congress recently.

 

[wfx]

yes the gateway argument has to be their worst. and yet they lead with it almost every time. not smart.

it's a just a generic reflex 'say no to drugs' position. taken out of pure ignorance. and nostalgia, if you will.

as frustrating as these localized ban and tax attempts are, the larger PR war is turning against them.

many thanks to the folks in HI stepping up here.

 

[Chyna]

Aloha I do live in the state of Hawaii and will be sending some emails tomorrow to our representatives. I am available to testify when necessary. Governor Abercrombie must be educated about the facts of vaping. I doubt he will listen. Hawaii is in severe need of tax money to fund all our government programs and state pensions. We are a totally democrat state, which doesn't help. Us stupid citizens don't seem to be able to make decisions on our own and need to be governed and told what to do. I am so very mad at this and other attacks on vaping. They are talking about our health and our lives.

Why are they trying to kill us?

 

[grandmato5]

I find the legislation as written interesting. This proposed legislation shows the intend will be to tax all components of our ecigs. Often when its been discussed here on ECF about the possibility of future taxation, which all agreed was only a matter of time, many have thought that the taxation would only apply to the nic juice or prefilled cartomizers while others have disagreed with that thought process. Guess we have our answer now.