HI HB535

Establishes a temporary surcharge on Hawaii's liquor tax effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028 (three years)

Surcharge amount left blank in bill text, to be applied per standard drink: 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, 5 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer/cooler beverages

Revenue from the surcharge will be deposited into the state general fund

Legislative findings cite 384 average annual alcohol-attributable deaths in Hawaii (2011-2015) and $937.4 million in annual costs from excessive alcohol use, with the state paying approximately $369.2 million (39.4%)

Estimates suggest a 5-cent per drink surcharge would generate $32 million and a 10-cent surcharge would generate $62.7 million in revenue