The Hawaii Legislature adjourned last week and in doing so, rejected a discriminatory and unfair proposal to tax beverages. In an effort to plug a hole in the budget, the governor pushed hard over the past few months to levy an additional tax on soft drinks and other beverages sold in Hawaii. A tax on common grocery items like beverages is regressive and disproportionately hurts the most those who can least afford it. In the end, Hawaiians made their opposition to the tax known - and the tax did not pass.
The people of Hawaii - and Americans across the country - continue to send a resounding message against discriminatory taxes, making it clear that they are able to make their own decisions about what to eat or drink without government help.