Gov proposes fee on sugary drinks

Money raised from the 1-cent-per-ounce levy would be used for obesity programs

By Derrick DePledge

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jan 19, 2013

~~<p>With more than half of Hawaii adults overweight and obesity-related medical costs exceeding $450 million a year, the Abercrombie administration wants state lawmakers to approve a fee on soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks to raise money to reduce obesity.</p>
<p>The administration will propose a fee of 1 cent per ounce — or $1.28 a gallon — on distributors that would be passed down to retailers and eventually to consumers. The cost of 12-ounce cans of soda could rise by 12 cents, for example, while the cost of 64-ounce drinks could increase by 64 cents, a painful levy meant to discourage consumption.</p>
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With more than half of Hawaii adults overweight and obesity-related medical costs exceeding $450 million a year, the Abercrombie administration wants state lawmakers to approve a fee on soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks to raise money to reduce obesity.

The administration will propose a fee of 1 cent per ounce — or $1.28 a gallon — on distributors that would be passed down to retailers and eventually to consumers. The cost of 12-ounce cans of soda could rise by 12 cents, for example, while the cost of 64-ounce drinks could increase by 64 cents, a painful levy meant to discourage consumption. Login for more...