THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	973
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023		S.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that many major vehicle manufacturers are planning to phase out the sale of new fossil fuel vehicles by 2035. The largest vehicle markets in California, New York, Europe, and other areas have already prohibited the sale of fossil fuel vehicles beyond 2035. However, rental fleets in Hawaii will be unable to adapt unless sufficient electric vehicle charging infrastructure is available at rental hubs, including airports, and destinations, including hotels and visitor attractions.

The legislature further finds that due to their size, public vehicle fleets and rental motor vehicle fleets are responsible for the largest sources of vehicle pollution in the State. In an effort to address this issue, the legislature enacted Act 74, Session Laws of Hawaii 2021, to require all state-owned, light duty motor vehicles to be zero-emission vehicles by the end of 2035. The legislature recognizes that transitioning rental motor vehicle fleets to zero-emission vehicles will reduce carbon emissions and increase the number of zero-emissions vehicles entering the secondary market, making clean electric vehicles more affordable and lowering the cost of transportation for local residents.

Finally, the legislature finds that transitioning to zero‑emission rental fleets will demonstrate to visitors that Hawaii is keeping pace with the innovation and electrification of transportation of cities across Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

(1) Require rental car companies using state facilities to pay or reimburse the State to install new or utilize existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure at public facilities beginning January 1, 2028; and

(2) Establish a task force to determine the implementation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support one hundred per cent electric vehicle rental car fleets in the State by 2035.

SECTION 2. Chapter 437D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§437D-   Electric vehicle charging stations; payment required. Beginning January 1, 2028, all rental car companies utilizing state facilities shall pay for or reimburse the State to:

(1) Construct electric vehicle charging stations; or

(2) Utilize existing state charging infrastructure at state public facilities."

SECTION 3. (a) There is established a task force to determine, develop, and implement electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support one hundred per cent electric vehicle rental fleets by 2035.

(b) The task force shall consist of the following members:

(1) The executive director of the office of planning and sustainable development, or their designee, who shall serve as chairperson;

(2) The director of transportation, or their designee;

(3) The chief energy officer of the Hawaii state energy office, or their designee;

(4) The chairperson of the senate standing committee whose purview is transportation, or their designee;

(5) The chairperson of the house of representatives standing committee whose purview is transportation, or their designee;

(6) A representative from the rental car industry;

(7) A representative from the hotel industry; and

(8) Other stakeholders invited by the chairperson of the task force.

(c) The task force shall develop a plan to implement electric vehicle rental charging infrastructure to support one hundred per cent electric vehicle fleets in the State by 2035.

(d) The task force shall submit annual reports of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session beginning with the regular session of 2024.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Rental Motor Vehicles; Zero-Emission Vehicles; Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure; Task Force; Report

Description:

Requires rental vehicle companies using state facilities to pay or reimburse the State to install new or utilize existing state electric vehicle charging infrastructure at public facilities beginning January 1, 2028. Establishes a task force to develop and implement electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support one hundred per cent electric vehicle rental car fleets in the State by 2035. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD2)

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