Legislature Votes To Exempt Fuel With Ethanol From G.E.T.

The Legislature voted Thursday to exempt the sale of fuel containing ethanol from the general excise tax. Pump prices could drop by 10 cents or more beginning July 1.

The Senate vote was unanimous, save one Republican who voted "no." The House vote was unanimous as well, with one Democrat in opposition.

Gov. Linda Lingle has said she supports the exemption, which expired Dec. 31. It's estimated the tax exemption will save consumers $30 million annually. Motor fuel in Hawaii contains at least 10 percent ethanol.


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indoctrin8ed - 5/4/2007 2:36:51 PM

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This is good. Tax incentives will help this take off. Much better than punishing the automotive industry for "fleetwide averages" on fuel economy.

hk4site - 5/5/2007 9:46:27 PM

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And it takes more energy to produce ethanol than it give up in the combustion process.

EnnNorak - 5/4/2007 4:34:07 PM

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Let's have full disclosure about ethanol.. Hardly anyone is aware that exhaust from ethanol-fueled vehicles also releases substances that either directly or indirectly, through chemical conversion in the body, produce carcinogens.

mp2dtw - 5/6/2007 2:15:31 AM

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I can't help but wonder if ethanol isn't much ado about nothing. It seems to me that it may be a political decision, rather than one based on environmental or foreign policy concerns. Iowa has the first caucus, which gives it disproportionate clout with politicians--among other things that might cause a lot of hot air over a non-issue.

indoctrin8ed - 5/6/2007 5:07:07 PM

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"it takes more energy to produce ethanol than it give up in the combustion process"

That energy comes from the sun. So who cares?

indoctrin8ed - 5/7/2007 6:39:50 PM

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Deboosted again, without a rebuttle. More silent idiots looming!! Love it.