HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2023
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to energy.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that hydrogen fuel may be utilized to power electric motors or burned in internal combustion engines.  There are many benefits to utilizing hydrogen fuel including reduction of the State's dependence on foreign oil because hydrogen can be produced in the United States and emissions of greenhouse gases.  Fuel cell vehicles powered by pure hydrogen emit only heat and water.  Depending on production methods, hydrogen fuel can also be substantially cheaper than traditional gasoline.  Further, the State has recognized the potential benefits of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by requiring that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles be given high priority in the procurement policy for all agencies purchasing or leasing light-duty motor vehicles.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to enable the State to convert its vehicle fleet to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

     SECTION 2.  The department of accounting and general services shall:

     (1)  Compile a list of all state fleet vehicles, including a breakdown of vehicles that are powered by gasoline, electricity, or are hybrid vehicles;

     (2)  Determine the priority in which state fleet vehicles shall be replaced and establish a method to replace these vehicles;

     (3)  Procure new hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to upgrade state fleet vehicles in accordance with chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

     (4)  Have the authority to sell non-hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that are replaced by hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for the purchase of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to replace or upgrade existing state fleet vehicles.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  The department of accounting and general services shall submit a report of its progress in converting the State's vehicle fleet from existing vehicles to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, including any proposed legislation, if any, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the regular sessions of 2015, 2016, and 2017; provided that the report shall include the:

     (1)  Number and types of vehicles in the State's fleet;

     (2)  Number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles purchased or leased; and

     (3)  Number of vehicles disposed of or sold.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2014.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

State Fleet Vehicles; Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

Description:

Appropriates funds to upgrade state fleet vehicles to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.  Effective July 1, 2014.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.