HI HB647

Establishes a new definition of "low alcohol by volume spirits beverage" as any alcoholic beverage containing no more than 5% alcohol by volume, including distilled spirits mixed with other ingredients.

Imposes a liquor tax of $1.98 per wine gallon on low alcohol by volume spirits beverages, effective July 1, 2023.

Expands the definition of "beer" in Hawaii's liquor tax and regulatory laws to include beverages with alcohol content of no less than 0.5% by volume and broader fermentable sources (grain, bran, glucose, sugar, molasses, etc.).

Excludes from the beer definition sake, cooler beverages, and any products containing distilled spirits, alcoholic spirits, or spirits by whatever name known.

Updates definitions in both Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 244D (liquor tax) and Chapter 281 (liquor regulations) to apply these changes uniformly.