SB1404 & HB1085 would repeal previous tax rates on tobacco products and replace them with tax rates for cigarettes, e-smoking devices, and little cigars. It is among the many many tax hike proposals this session.
Specific Tax Amounts:
16.00 cents for each cigarette or little cigar sold, used, or possessed.
Unspecified cents for cigarettes and little cigars sold, used, or possessed.
70% of the wholesale price for most tobacco products (excluding large cigars, e-smoking devices, and e-liquids).
50% of the wholesale price for large cigars.
70% of the wholesale price for electronic smoking devices and e-liquids sold.
Revenue Allocation:
Specified percentages of tax revenues will be deposited into various “special funds” including Hawaii Cancer Research, Trauma System, Community Health Centers, and Emergency Medical Services Special Funds.
Individuals should have the autonomy to make their own choices regarding tobacco consumption without facing punitive financial consequences from the state. Taxing personal habits infringes upon the fundamental right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Higher taxes on tobacco products serve as a regressive burden, making it more difficult for economically disadvantaged individuals to afford their basic goods.
The assumption that higher taxes will effectively deter tobacco has already been proven false. Similar to prohibition, history has shown that such measures fail to reduce smoking rates and can lead to the development of black markets. Promoting personal responsibility and education is a far more effective strategy than punitive taxation which harms both the business owner and the consumer.
This bill sets a dangerous precedent for further regulation and taxation of personal choices. This bill represents a step toward a more authoritarian state that undermines personal liberties.
HB1085 is an attempt to regulate personal behavior through taxation. As advocates for liberty, we must resist legislation that prioritizes government control over personal freedom. We should instead encourage an environment where individuals are trusted to make informed choices about their health and well-being.
Help Us Oppose this Bill:
Click on the hyperlink to familiarize yourself with the bill text: SB1404 & HB1085
Call your representatives: Maps of districts and their representatives with contact information can be found here.
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