Hawaii Tattoo Industry Could be Deregulated

April 9, 2008 by

Hawaii 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 Hawaii’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.