The state Senate Health Committee shelved a bill Wednesday that would have imposed a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, and the syrup and powder used to make them, in an effort to combat childhood obesity.

"We did not have the kind of activity (regarding community support) on this bill that I think warrants the passage of a major public health policy," Sen. Josh Green (D, Milolii-Waimea), chairman of the Senate Health Committee, said during a decision-making meeting.

Green noted that his committee advanced a bill this week that provides money to develop an early childhood health task force, and includes an amendment that requires the beverage industry to be included in the discussion. He said that is a more balanced approach to the problem.

Green said if his committee does not see progress in the fight against childhood obesity in Hawaii, it would reconsider a tax on sweetened beverages.

"We will be back on this issue (of a tax) if we don’t solve the problem," he said.

Sen. Rosalyn Baker (D, South Maui-West Maui), a member of the committee, noted during the meeting that other public health policies such as banning indoor smoking took time to gain passage at the Legislature.