August 28, 1838: “Law Respecting Alcoholic Drinks and Duties on Wine”

In 1838, a law was enacted which prohibited the importation of distilled liquors.  Importantly, the law imposed a duty of “one half dollar per gallon” on “all wines imported into the Sandwich Islands.” It would appear that this is the first import duty levied by the Hawaiian Kingdom. The law references an “inspector of wines” who served to collect import duties for the port of Honolulu. The introductory paragraph of this law is referenced below. A brief transcription follows.

Available in Statutes – Pre Constitution Laws and Regulations 1838-39.

kanawai no ke kuai ana i ka rama,
A me ka Hoouku ana i ka waina

No ka nui loa o na hewa i loaa i keia pae aina no na mea ona i laweia mai ai, a no ka inu ana ia mau mea, a no ka hoopau ana o ke puhi rama o na kanaka, a me na lii, a no ka nui loa o na haole akamai, a koikoi, o ka poe kuai, a me ka poe hono, a me ka poe pae liilii mai, i olelo mai e pono ke hooki i ke kuai ana i kela mau mea, a no ko makou hoomaopopo loa ana, he mea ia e pono ai ke kuai ana, a me ka hoomalu ana i ke aupuni, nolaila, o makou, o ke alii nui o ko Hawaii nei pae aina, a me kona mau kuhina, i ka makou ahaolelo ana, ua kau no makou i keia mau kanawai.