RATIONALE:
Alcohol consumption poses significant health risks. There are more than six hundred alcohol related deaths each year in Hawai‘i. Excessive alcohol use costs the state $937 million, with taxpayers covering 40% of those costs.
The liquor tax can help discourage excessive drinking, however this tax has not been increased since 1998, losing most of its value to inflation. Adjusting the liquor tax to inflation will strengthen the deterrent and provide much needed revenue that can be invested in public health supports.
2026 Bills:
TAKE ACTION NOW:
Public hearings are an opportunity for the public to weigh in on bills being considered by lawmakers. Submitting testimony for these hearings is an important way to let lawmakers know your position on these important issues. All you need to do is share why you are in strong support (we have some talking points below to get you started!). Each hearing may have different lawmakers, so you must submit testimony each time there is a new hearing.
Hearing Information
Bill: HB 1991 HD1
Position: Strong Support
Date/Time: Friday, February 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Committee: House Committee on Finance
How to Submit Testimony
- Log-in /make an account on the Capitol website.
- Go to the bill page for HB 1991 HD1 and click on the “Submit Testimony” button.
- Upload or write your testimony in SUPPORT of the bill (It doesn’t need to be long!).
- Please submit testimony by Thursday, February 26 at 2:00 PM (at least 24 hours in before the hearing) to ensure your testimony is received on-time and reviewed by the committee members! Late testimony will be accepted until the time of the hearing.
SAMPLE TESTIMONY:
The dangers of alcohol use result in increased health risks and loss of productivity. Excessive drinking costs the state over $900 million each, with taxpayers covering 40% of those costs. The liquor tax has not been raised since 1998, losing over half of its value. Adjusting the liquor tax to inflation will bring in over $50 million in additional revenue each year. Please pass this bill to increase the liquor tax, thereby deterring excessive drinking and providing the state with funds to help improve our state’s health.
TALKING POINTS:
- Alcohol use can lead to poor health, increased violence and decreased productivity.
- Increases in the liquor tax can lead to significant declines in excessive drinking, saving lives and leading to healthier outcomes.
- Excessive alcohol use costs the state more than $900 million.
- Adjusting the liquor tax to inflation will raise $50 million in revenue.
- Had the liquor tax been adjusted to inflation since 1998, Hawai‘i would have raised over $500 million in revenue.