HI HB1618

Establishes a $0.10 per drink surcharge on liquor taxes, effective July 1, 2022, in addition to existing gallonage taxes on distilled spirits, wine, coolers, and beer.

Defines a standard drink as 1.50 ounces of distilled spirits, 5 ounces of wine (sparkling or still), or 12 ounces of cooler beverages or beer (draft or non-draft).

Deposits surcharge proceeds into the state general fund, estimated to generate $58,000,000 annually according to legislative findings.

Cites public health rationale based on CDC data showing 348 average annual alcohol-attributable deaths in Hawaii (2011-2015), with approximately 90% caused by excessive alcohol use.

References evidence from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that alcohol taxes are among the most effective U.S. policies for reducing excessive drinking, alcohol-impaired driving, and related harms.