Proposed bans on slim cigarettes and smoking on Waikiki Beach have faltered in the state Legislature.

The bills were approved by health committees, but they lost momentum and were not heard before legislative deadlines for nonbudgetary measures.

The idea of cracking down on slim cigarettes was motivated by health advocates who said the small, pink and teal packs — commonly called 'purse packs' — were marketed toward teenage girls.

"The 'purse packs' represent yet one more way the tobacco companies are attempting to attract young people to begin an addictive nicotine habit," said Julian Lipsher, program director for the state Department of Health's Tobacco Prevention and Education program.

"With approximately 430,000 tobacco-related deaths in the US each year, the industry needs to replace those smokers who have become ill or died. Despite claims to the contrary, they continue to design products and marketing strategies to lure our youth into lifelong and life threatening tobacco use."

Another dead bill had sought to reduce litter on Waikiki Beach by forcing smokers to move to the nearest sidewalk, street or private property that allows smoking.

The anti-tobacco bills were among hundreds that failed to make the cut as the Legislature reaches its halfway point.

Measures that would have prohibited the use of cell phones while driving unless equipped with a handsfree accessory, and banned driver's licenses for illegal immigrants have already failed to get approval.

Other measures being debated today include proposals to buy one-way plane tickets to get the homeless off the Islands, to put a moratorium on genetic modification of Hawaiian taro and to increase the limit on corporate campaign contributions.

Both the House and Senate are considering about 300 bills on one of the last days of legislative action before the Thursday deadline for non-budget measures to pass from one house to the other.

Each chamber started with about 1,800 bills in January.

The Associated Press contributed to this report