State’s largest vape retailer to close at end of the year, citing new laws
Volcano E-cigs, Hawaii's largest vape retailer, will close all 13 locations on Dec. 31, 2026, citing new state laws restricting e-cigarette sales.Summary
Volcano E-cigs, Hawaii's largest vape retailer with 13 locations across three islands, has announced it will cease operations on December 31, 2026, one day before new state laws take effect. These laws prohibit the sale of disposable e-cig devices and allow only FDA-authorized products. The company, which has operated since 2009, will lay off about 56 employees. Lawmakers behind the legislation, including state House Consumer Protection and Commerce Chair Scot Matayoshi, said the measures aim to narrow the market from 7,000 products to about 48 and prevent youth addiction to flavored products. Kevin Ramirez of the Coalition For A Tobacco-Free Hawaii said FDA authorization ensures products are not attractive to youth. However, Volcano's chief operating officer Scott Rasak warned the laws could worsen the problem by driving sales to the black market without enforcement.
(Source：Hawaii News)
