HI HB572

Exempts food and groceries from Hawaii's general excise tax (GET), with "food" defined as substances sold for human consumption excluding alcoholic beverages, tobacco, prepared food, soft drinks, and dietary supplements

Maintains GET on prepared foods sold heated, with eating utensils, or with mixed ingredients, but exempts meals served to seniors, disabled individuals, battered women and children in shelters, and homeless individuals through qualifying nonprofit programs

Expands the existing GET exemption for healthcare services from only Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE-covered services to all healthcare-related goods and services provided by hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and medical or dental practitioners

Projects $687 annual savings for a Hawaii family of four on food and $222 million total tax reduction for medical services, funded by the state's $1 billion surplus

Takes effect July 1, 3000 (placeholder date)