
Hawaii Fuel Taxes
Alternative Fuel Tax Rate
A distributor of any alternative fuel for operation in an internal combustion engine is required to pay a license tax of $0.025 for each gallon of alternative fuel sold or used by the distributor. In addition, a distributor is required to pay a license tax for each gallon of fuel sold or used by the distributor for operating a motor vehicle(s) on state public highways according to the following rates:
| Fuel Type | Tax |
|---|---|
| Ethanol | 0.145 times the rate for diesel |
| Methanol | 0.11 times the rate for diesel | Biodiesel | 0.25 times the rate for diesel |
| Liquefied Petroleum Gas | 0.33 times the rate for diesel |
For other alternative fuels, the rate is based on the energy content of the fuels as compared to diesel fuel, using a lower heating value of 130,000 British thermal units per gallon as a standard for diesel, so that the tax rate, on an energy content basis, is equal to one-quarter the rate for diesel fuel. (Reference Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 243-4)

