Lawmakers agree in conference to make it unlawful for minors to use tanning equipment

Legislators reached agreement on a measure to protect the health of minors by making it unlawful for tanning facilities to allow individuals under age 18 to use tanning equipment that utilizes electromagnetic radiation. House-Senate conferees agreed on HB611 HD1 CD1, to allow the Department of Health of impose fines of up to $250 for a first violation and $500 for subsequent violations.

“Young people are especially susceptible to the risk of skin cancer from ultraviolet radiation,” said Representative Gregg Takayama (Pearl City, Waimalu, Pacific Palisades), who introduced the bill. “The use of indoor tanning devices are directly linked to skin cancer. Studies show indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma that those who do not tan indoors.”

“This bill protects minors by preventing them from using indoor tanning equipment until they reach an age when they are better able to weigh the benefits and dangers of the practice,” said Rep. Della Au Belatti (Makiki, Tantalus, Papakolea, McCully, Pawaa, Manoa), House Health Committee Chair.

The American Cancer Society has made this legislation a priority nationwide, and Hawaii would be the sixth state to enact such a law. The measure will sent to the full House and Senate for final approval before being sent to the Governor for his signature.