In a move with significant implications for businesses operating in Hawaii and across the nation, Attorney General Anne Lopez has joined a bipartisan coalition of 25 attorneys general and the City of New York in urging Shopify to crack down on the sale of illegal e-cigarettes through its platform. According to a recent news release from the Hawaii Attorney General's office, the coalition has sent a letter to Shopify, highlighting the need for more comprehensive measures to identify and eliminate illegal tobacco products, particularly e-cigarettes, sold through the platform.
The core concern revolves around the continued use of Shopify's services by merchants selling these products, despite existing policies against unlawful activities. The coalition emphasizes the prevalence of illegal e-cigarette sellers targeting communities, especially young people, and using mainstream e-commerce platforms like Shopify to do so. This issue is not isolated to Hawaii. As the Illinois Attorney General's office points out in a similar announcement, the lack of robust enforcement allows illegal activities to persist. The sale of these products poses a threat to public health, especially given the appeal of flavored e-cigarettes to minors.
This initiative by Attorney General Lopez underscores the state's commitment to consumer protection and public health. This follows a previous effort by Attorney General Lopez who, according to a news release from January 2025, issued letters to over 800 Hawaii tobacco retailers and distributors regarding illegal tobacco products.
For businesses in Hawaii, this action signals an increased focus on compliance with tobacco regulations and a potential tightening of enforcement. Entrepreneurs and retailers who utilize e-commerce platforms like Shopify should review their business practices to ensure compliance with all federal and state laws regarding tobacco sales. Failure to comply could lead to legal repercussions and damage to their business reputation. This situation puts pressure on businesses to be proactive in verifying the legality of products and the legitimacy of their suppliers.
