Relating To The Deposit Beverage Container Program.
Summary
SB184 would increase Hawaii’s beverage container deposit and refund value from 5 cents to 10 cents under the state’s deposit beverage container program, effective January 1, 2026. The bill amends multiple provisions in Chapter 342G, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to replace the current 5-cent refund value with 10 cents for deposit beverage containers sold in the state. It also updates the related distributor payment calculations so that the amount due to the Department of Health is based on the higher 10-cent deposit/refund value.
The bill preserves the existing structure of the program: distributors must continue to report monthly, pay the Department of Health by check or money order, and indicate the refund value on containers. It also keeps the special treatment for refillable glass containers, but raises the minimum equivalent refund value for that exemption from 5 cents to 10 cents. The measure includes a standard savings clause for prior rights, penalties, and proceedings and makes clear that the statutory changes apply prospectively.
Impact
SB184 would directly amend Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 342G-105, 342G-110, 342G-111, and 342G-112 to increase the deposit and refund value for beverage containers from 5 cents to 10 cents. This would affect beverage distributors, dealers, consumers redeeming containers, and the Department of Health, which administers the program and receives the monthly payments. The bill would likely increase the upfront cost of covered beverages while also increasing the incentive for container returns and recycling, and it would require covered containers to reflect the new refund value.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable committee support for the bill. On January 27, 2025, the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee passed SB184 unamended by a 4-1 vote. No committee transcript excerpts were provided, so there is no recorded discussion to indicate broader debate, but the vote shows the measure had majority support at that stage despite at least one dissenting vote.
Contention
The main point of contention is the policy choice to double the deposit from 5 cents to 10 cents. Supporters likely view the increase as a way to strengthen recycling participation and improve container recovery, while opponents may be concerned about higher consumer costs, administrative adjustments for distributors and retailers, or the adequacy of the existing program. The lone no vote in committee indicates some disagreement, but no specific objections are available in the provided materials.