WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 492

RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAX.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 1 co-sponsor

Hawaii bill modifies general excise tax structure through amendments; currently pending final passage in 2026 session with broad fiscal and economic impacts on state revenue and consumer costs.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#countysurchargeonstatetax #extension #generalexcisetaxlaw
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 492

Legislative bill overview

SB 492 modifies Hawaii's general excise tax (GET), a broad-based sales tax applied to most goods and services in the state. The bill has passed initial legislative stages with amendments and is currently carried over to the 2026 session, indicating the legislature needs additional time to finalize its provisions.

Why is this important

Hawaii's general excise tax is one of the state's primary revenue sources and affects pricing for consumers and businesses across the economy. Changes to GET structure, rates, or exemptions can significantly impact the cost of living, business competitiveness, and state revenues—making any modification a consequential fiscal policy decision.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact uncertainty: Without seeing the specific amendments (SD 1), the actual fiscal effect on state revenues versus consumer burden is unclear, but GET changes typically create winners and losers across different economic sectors
  • Regressivity concerns: General excise taxes are often criticized as regressive since lower-income households spend more of their income on taxable goods and services
  • Business vs. consumer effects: Modifications may shift tax burdens between businesses and end consumers, affecting different stakeholder groups unevenly

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.