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Bill Summary · HB 375

Legislative bill overview

HB 375 relates to Hawaii's General Excise Tax (GET), a broad-based sales tax applied to most business activities in the state. The bill was introduced by Representative Nadine Nakamura on January 17, 2025, and has been referred to the Finance Committee. While the specific provisions are not detailed in the action summary provided, bills addressing GET typically propose modifications to tax rates, exemptions, or administrative procedures.

Why is this important

Hawaii's General Excise Tax is a significant revenue source for the state and affects the cost of goods and services for residents and businesses. Changes to GET structure can influence overall cost of living, business competitiveness, and state revenue allocation. Any modification to this tax affects both consumers through pricing and the state's ability to fund programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact uncertainty – Without knowing specific provisions, there's unclear revenue effect that could concern both taxpayers concerned about increased costs and policymakers worried about revenue shortfalls
  • Business community response – Potential tax changes may be opposed or supported depending on whether exemptions are narrowed or broadened and how compliance burdens shift
  • Regressivity concerns – General excise taxes tend to affect lower-income residents more heavily, raising equity questions depending on which sectors or activities are taxed

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

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