STAND. COM. REP. NO. 980-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1619

H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1619, H.D. 2, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Exclude from the definition of "development", as it applies to special management areas, the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of an electric vehicle charging system; and

(2) Include the Public Utilities Commission in the development and implementation of plans to meet the long-term goals for zero-emissions transportation in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Public Utilities Commission; Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission; Hawaiian Electric; and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that transitioning from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles is the most effective strategy for reducing overall ground transportation greenhouse gas emissions. Your Committee further finds that special management area permitting has been an important factor in determining the feasibility of projects to expand access to electric vehicle charging stations. Special management area permitting requires more time and attention to ensure that the legal requirements are satisfied and projects move forward. This measure exempts electric vehicle projects from special management area permitting, which will streamline the installation of charging infrastructure and better support the transition of ground transportation to electric vehicles.

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. 1619, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair