STAND. COM. REP. NO. 710

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 798

S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 798, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to help fulfill the State's commitment to clean energy and sustainable transportation.

More specifically, the measure requires that, beginning January 1, 2022, no new vehicles purchased for the Department of Accounting and General Services' motor pool program shall be powered by internal combustion engines.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from Ulupono Initiative, Americans for Democratic Action, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Climate Protectors Hawaii, and Hawaii Electric Vehicle Association.

The Department of Accounting and General Services, Hawaii State Energy Office, Department of Education, and 350 Hawaii submitted written comments on the measure.

Your Committee finds that transitioning the State's motor pool vehicles to zero-emission vehicles will significantly reduce carbon emissions; increase the number of zero-emission vehicles entering the secondary market, making them more affordable to more Hawaii residents; and demonstrate Hawaii's leadership in clean energy and sustainable transportation.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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. 798, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 798, S.D. 2.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair