Bill > SB681

This bill amends Section 209E-11 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to remove the existing exemption from general excise taxes for agricultural businesses engaged in the production of genetically engineered agricultural products. Currently, agricultural businesses receive certain tax exemptions within enterprise zones, but this bill specifically eliminates the tax exemption for businesses producing genetically engineered agricultural products. The general excise tax (GET) is a broad-based state tax in Hawaii that applies to most business activities. By removing the exemption, these genetically engineered agricultural product businesses will now be required to pay general excise taxes on their gross proceeds from retail sales, just like other businesses in the state. The bill will take effect immediately upon approval, and the language being removed is bracketed and stricken through in the statutory text. This change means that agricultural businesses producing genetically engineered products will no longer receive a special tax break and will be subject to the same tax obligations as other businesses in Hawaii.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=681&year=2025