STAND. COM. REP. NO. 735

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 198

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 198, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish the Low- to Moderate-Income Electric Vehicle Rebate Program and electric vehicle subaccount to encourage the purchase and use of electric vehicles by low- to moderate-income households and nonprofit organizations providing assistive services to low- to moderate-income households; and

(2) Establish and appropriate funds into the electric vehicle subaccount.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Hawaii State Energy Office, Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Office of Economic Development of the County of Kaua‘i, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Hawaiian Electric, Blue Planet Foundation, Ulupono Initiative, Big Island Electric Vehicle Association, Climate Protectors Hawaii, 350Hawaii.org, and fifteen individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from three individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that electric vehicles reduce reliance on fossil fuels while promoting the State's goal of reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. However, the costs associated with electric vehicles prevent their widespread adoption among low- and moderate-income households. This measure promotes access to and adoption of these modes of clean transportation by households most in need and nonprofit organizations who provide health, social, financial, energy conservation, and other services to these households.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 198, 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 Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair