(AP) — Some Hawaii restaurant owners have come out against a proposed bill to place a 2-cent tax on each fluid ounce of sugar-sweetened beverages sold in the state. Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports that the bill is part of a legislative package introduced by Democratic Gov. David Ige. The tax would result in a 12-pack of 12-ounce cans of soda costing an additional $2.88, while a six-pack of 20-ounce bottles would cost an extra $2.40. Victor Lim of the Hawaii Restaurant Association says the proposal targets small businesses and people without disposable income during the coronavirus pandemic and could cause more restaurants to close.
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