STAND. COM. REP. NO. 588

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 346

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 346, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to expand the existing Electric Vehicle Charging System Rebate Program to provide rebates for the installation of eligible electric vehicle-ready parking stalls in new construction of affordable housing.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development; Hawaiʻi State Energy Office; Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Commission; Public Utilities Commission; Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization; Office of Economic Development of the County of Kauaʻi; Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency of the City and County of Honolulu; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaiian Electric; Hawaii Electric Vehicle Association; Hawai‘i Energy; Kauai Climate Action Coalition; Coalition Earth; 350Hawaii.org; Citizens' Climate Lobby Hawaiʻi; Alliance for Automotive Innovation; Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Disability and Communication Access Board.

Your Committee finds that the inclusion of electric vehicle-ready parking stalls in a new affordable housing project is a forward-thinking initiative that aligns with the State's clean energy goals and ensures equitable access to emerging technologies. Designing electric vehicle-ready parking stalls in affordable housing developments is a practical, cost-effective, and equitable strategy to support clean energy. This measure will ensure that affordable housing developments are prepared for the future while enabling residents to actively participate in the clean energy transition.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 346, 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 Housing,

____________________________

LUKE A. EVSLIN, Chair