Electronic cigarettes banned in Hawaii state buildings

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are now banned in all state government buildings.

The new policy went into effect this month.

Under the policy, e-cigarettes are prohibited from use in any enclosed or partially enclosed area such as offices, lobbies, lanai, interior courtyards, patios, covered walkways, and 20 feet from entrances, exits, windows that can be opened, and ventilation intakes that serve enclosed or partially enclosed area. This mirrors the current law for regular cigarettes.

“Based on various tests, vapors or aerosols emitted from e-cigarettes contain nicotine and other carcinogens and toxic chemicals that are just as harmful as those in secondhand smoke of regular combustible cigarettes,” said Linda Rosen, director of the Hawaii Department of Health. “It’s important that consumers be aware that e-cigarettes are not healthier than regular cigarettes, for users or those surrounding them.”

E-cigarettes had previously been banned from state Department of Health and Department of Education buildings.

The policy sets the tone for private sector employers and others in the community to follow, state health officials said.