HB535

Imposes a temporary 10-cent surcharge on liquor sales to address excessive alcohol use costs in Hawaii.

The bill proposes a three-year surcharge on liquor sales in Hawaii to address the economic and health costs of excessive alcohol use. The surcharge, set at 10 cents per drink, aims to generate revenue to offset the state's share of these costs. The surcharge applies to various liquor categories and is expected to generate $62.7 million in revenue. The surcharge will be repealed on June 30, 2028, and the original tax rates will be reinstated.