Informing the Legislature that on May 27, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB441 HD2 SD2 CD1 (ACT 095).

HB441 increases Hawaii's cigarette tax from 16 to 18 cents per cigarette. The additional revenue is specifically allocated to the Hawaii Cancer Research Special Fund. This change ensures continued funding for the University of Hawaii Cancer Center’s operations, debt payments on construction bonds, and cancer research programs. The bill responds to a 50% decline in cigarette tax revenue caused by reduced smoking rates, which had threatened the center's financial stability.