Hawaii Ige’s Proposed ‘Sugar Tax’ Could Generate $60 Million A Year For The State…Critics call it a regressive new tax and legislative leaders doubt it will pass.
Gov. David Ige has proposed a new 2-cents-per-ounce tax on soda and other sugary drinks in an effort to discourage sugar consumption and cope with the “huge health challenge” of obesity and diabetes.
An administration analysis attached to House Bill 994 and Senate Bill 1148 indicates the measures could also raise $60 million a year or more at a time when the drop in tax collections during the pandemic has left the state alarmingly short of cash for the next two years.
