Bill > SB676

This bill establishes a three-year surcharge on the liquor tax in Hawaii. The surcharge will be a cent per drink based on standard serving sizes for various alcoholic beverages, and the proceeds will be deposited into the general fund. The bill cites the significant health and economic costs associated with excessive alcohol use in the state, and suggests that a modest surcharge could generate substantial revenue to address these issues without overly burdening non-excessive drinkers. The surcharge will be in effect from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026, after which the original liquor tax provisions will be reenacted.