HONOLULU - Hawaii??s Senate Health Committee heard from a panel of experts and physicians earlier this week address the health effects of sweetened beverages, especially on children, BusinessWeek reports.
The hearing suggests Hawaii lawmakers are considering reintroducing a bill to impose a soda tax, after lawmakers tabled the idea earlier this year.
However, as the state faces a nearly $1 billion deficit over the next two years, revenue is needed to help balance the budget.
Governor Neil Abercrombie has endorsed the creation of a soda tax ?" 25 cents for each container larger than 12 ounces, and 10 cents on smaller containers ?" a move that is projected to raise nearly $40 million a year.