Exempts food and medical services from Hawaii's general excise tax to lower living costs.

Hawaii HB281 proposes to exempt food and medical services from the general excise tax to reduce the cost of living for residents. The bill defines "food" as substances sold for human ingestion or chewing, excluding alcoholic beverages and tobacco. It exempts food and groceries from the tax, including meals served to the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals. The bill also exempts medical and dental services from the tax, which could result in a $222 million tax cut for residents and healthcare professionals, according to a study by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.

Exempts food and medical services from Hawaii's general excise tax to lower living costs.

Hawaii HB281 proposes to exempt food and medical services from the general excise tax to reduce the cost of living for residents. The bill defines "food" as substances sold for human ingestion or chewing, excluding alcoholic beverages and tobacco. It exempts food and groceries from the tax, including meals served to the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals. The bill also exempts medical and dental services from the tax, which could result in a $222 million tax cut for residents and healthcare professionals, according to a study by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.