STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1168

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 661

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 661, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to promote the use of fuel cell electric vehicles within the State.

Specifically, the measure:

(1) Establishes procurement priority for fuel cell electric vehicles for state and county vehicle purchases; and

(2) Includes fuel cell electric vehicles among the electric vehicles:

(A) For which the Department of Transportation may adopt rules relating to vehicle registration and special license plates; and

(B) That are exempt from high occupancy vehicle lane restrictions and certain parking fees.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Ulupono Initiative; Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers; Oahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawaii; Servco Pacific, Inc.; and one individual.

Your Committee believes that this measure will encourage the increased use of fuel cell electric vehicles and thus reduce carbon emissions, significantly improve transportation efficiency, and enhance the quality of life in the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 661, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair