THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2894
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

related to transportation.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that emissions from private vehicles account for twenty-eight per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the country. The output of these emissions peaks at normal commuting hours before and after the workday. A key component to meeting the State's decarbonization goals will be the reduction of vehicle miles travelled by commuters, which can be done through several mechanisms, including public transportation. Public transit produces significantly less air pollution in comparison to a car carrying one driver, and studies have shown that bus transit is sixty times safer than driving.

The legislature further finds that opting for public transit over private vehicles for commutes helps drivers save money on fuel, insurance, parking, and vehicle maintenance costs, which can reduce the cost of living for Hawaii residents.

The legislature also finds that the State has a responsibility to lead in the decarbonization transition and should encourage the utilization of public transportation that encourages fuel efficiency per passenger mile and contributes to an overall decrease in the necessary amount of energy for transportation.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of human resources development to include bikeshare or other micro-mobility devices into the pre-tax transportation benefit pilot program.

SECTION 2. (a) The department of human resources development shall incorporate bikeshare and other micro-mobility devices within the pre-tax transportation benefit pilot program.

(b) For the purposes of this section "micro-mobility device" means any ground transportation device such as a standing scooter, skateboard, board riding on a single or double wheels, or similar device that is powered by electricity from a battery charged from an external source, in addition to human power, or exclusively by human power, that is designed to transport a single person, with a range exceeding not less than twelve miles per hour and maximum speed of twenty-eight miles per hour, on which a person may reasonably commute to and from regular destinations.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

DHRD; State Employees; Pre-tax Transportation Benefit Pilot Program; Public Transit

Description:

Requires the Department of Human Resources Development to incorporate bikeshare and micro-mobility devices into the Pre-tax Transportation Benefit Pilot Program's commuter benefits. (SD1)

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