STAND. COM. REP. NO. 792

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 391

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 391, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RECYCLING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish an End-of-Life Lithium-ion Battery Management Working Group; and

(2) Require the Working Group to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Hawaii State Energy Office, Department of Environmental Management of the County of Hawaiʻi, Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Climate Protectors Hawaii, and two individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from Radius Recycling and one individual.

Your Committee finds that lithium-ion batteries, which constitute the primary power sources for electric vehicles and energy storage systems in the State, are a source of chemical and electrical hazards that pose serious risks to the environment. The storage, transportation, and disposition of lithium-ion batteries present unique waste management challenges, particularly given the potential for fires and toxic chemical releases, the limited options for affordably off-shipping used and damaged batteries, and the lack of lithium battery processing or recycling facilities in the State. This measure will address these issues by establishing an End-of-Life Lithium-ion Battery Working Group to identify the best strategies and develop policies to encourage the proper, safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries in the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 391, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection,

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JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair