Hawaii tattoo industry fights deregulation proposal
By MARK NIESSE
Associated Press
HONOLULU — Hawai'i tattoo artists are uniting against a measure that would allow anyone to make tattoos even without training.
The bill would deregulate the tattoo industry by repealing Hawai'i's licensing procedures and safety requirements.
Tattoo businesses worry that hepatitis and other diseases could be spread by artists who use unsanitary practices.
The proposal has been pushed through the Legislature as a way to allow tattooing at conventions outside of traditional tattoo parlors.
The bill has already passed the House and is pending before the full Senate.