Getting healthier may keep tax away

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Mar 04, 2013

~~<p>Hawaii's controversial proposal to tax a penny for every ounce of sugar-sweetened beverage may have been shelved by the Legislature this session, but its objective in fighting obesity should not be quelled. With the alarm against sugared drinks unlikely to abate, beverage companies that produce soft drinks that result in obesity will need to step up to make major changes aimed at reducing consumption, while better-educated consumers will need to learn the wisdom of moderation and more physical activity.</p>
<p>"Of course, it's always in play for next year," warned Sen. David Ige, Senate Ways and Means chairman, as members decided to postpone the "soda tax" at least for now. The delay ought to be an opportunity for the beverage industry to make extra efforts to respond to the growing health problem of obesity, especially among children.</p>
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Hawaii's controversial proposal to tax a penny for every ounce of sugar-sweetened beverage may have been shelved by the Legislature this session, but its objective in fighting obesity should not be quelled. With the alarm against sugared drinks unlikely to abate, beverage companies that produce soft drinks that result in obesity will need to step up to make major changes aimed at reducing consumption, while better-educated consumers will need to learn the wisdom of moderation and more physical activity.

"Of course, it's always in play for next year," warned Sen. David Ige, Senate Ways and Means chairman, as members decided to postpone the "soda tax" at least for now. The delay ought to be an opportunity for the beverage industry to make extra efforts to respond to the growing health problem of obesity, especially among children. Login for more...