Bill > SB719

This bill establishes a Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Fee Program in Hawaii to address public health concerns related to sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Beginning July 1, 2026, the bill imposes a two-cent-per-fluid-ounce fee on distributors of sugar-sweetened beverages, which will be passed on to consumers through increased prices. The program aims to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, improve public health, and generate revenue to support obesity prevention, chronic disease control, and health equity initiatives. The legislation creates two key funds: the Healthy Ohana Special Fund, which will receive the fee revenues and support health programs, and the Healthy Ohana Trust Fund, a nonprofit fund that will receive a portion of the special fund's revenues to support prevention and control of obesity and chronic diseases. The bill requires distributors to register, maintain records, and pay the fee, with potential civil penalties for non-compliance. An independent evaluation will assess the program's impact on beverage consumption and health outcomes, and the Department of Health will provide annual reports to the legislature. The bill also establishes an advisory committee to guide the trust fund's administration and develop strategic plans for chronic disease prevention, with a particular focus on addressing health disparities among vulnerable populations in Hawaii.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=719&year=2025