STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 381
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2021
RE: H.B. No. 393
H.D. 1
Honorable Scott K. Saiki
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-First State Legislature
Regular Session of 2021
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 393, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO GROUND TRANSPORTATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to reduce the State's greenhouse gas emissions by:
(1) Establishing a goal for the State to reduce emissions that cause climate change and build energy efficiencies across all sectors, including establishing a clean ground transportation target; and
(2) Prohibiting the sale or offer for sale of new motor vehicles by motor vehicle dealers and salespersons that are solely powered by fossil fuels and designed for personal use by a certain date.
Your Committee finds that the State has committed to several goals in an attempt to prevent or mitigate the effects of climate change, including the adoption of the renewable energy portfolio standards and zero emissions clean economy target. Your Committee further finds that ground transportation accounts for forty-seven percent of the State's 8,690,000 metric tons of transportation emissions. This measure continues the State's commitment to lowering the State's carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
Your Committee notes that in written testimony received by your Committee, concerns were raised that the prohibition on fossil fuel-powered motor vehicles could be circumvented by residents simply purchasing motor vehicles in other states and shipping the motor vehicles to Hawaii. This circumvention would defeat the purpose of the prohibition while simultaneously harming local businesses.
Your Committee received testimony at the public hearing that several manufacturers will be releasing electric motor vehicles other than sedans within the next few years. However, your Committee is concerned that consumers will have limited choices across the range of motor vehicle styles if a prohibition on fossil fuel‑powered motor vehicles is implemented. Your Committee requests consideration be given to whether consumers will have satisfactory choices across the range of motor vehicle styles when determining the implementation date for a prohibition on fossil fuel-powered motor vehicles. Additionally, your Committee requests that consideration be given to whether such a prohibition will impose a significant increase in cost to consumers when determining the implementation date.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 393, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,
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____________________________ AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair |
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