Hawaii is one of five states with active bills in the state legislature that would change the minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21 years of age. Rep. John Mizuno, D-Kalihi Valley, introduced the H.B. 2133 alongside 12 other Democrats in the Hawaii House of Representatives. If it passes, it will go into effect July 1, 2015. It would grandfather in those persons born before July 1, 1997, i.e., anyone 18 years of age by July 1 will still be able to purchase tobacco products in the state under the proposed bill. Hawaii joins Colorado, Maryland, Utah and Vermont as states considering a minimum age increase from 18 to 21.
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