STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1621-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.C.R. No. 201

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 201 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACTS OF AIR POLLUTION FROM INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE VEHICLES AND THE RISKS THAT TRAFFIC-RELATED AIR POLLUTION POSES TO COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE AND AFFIRMING THE COMMITMENT TO TRANSITION TO CLEANER TRANSPORTATION CHOICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Recognize the public health impacts of air pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles and the risks that traffic-related air pollution poses to communities across the State;

(2) Acknowledge that certain communities and vulnerable populations may experience disproportionate exposure to harmful air pollution caused by internal combustion engine vehicles;

(3) Recognize that these impacts may intersect with socioeconomic inequities and environmental justice concerns; and

(4) Affirm the commitment to policies that reduce pollution from transportation sources and support the transition toward cleaner transportation choices.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi; Imua Alliance; and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that internal combustion engine vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution and that scientific research has demonstrated that exposure to traffic-related air pollution is associated with adverse health outcomes. Your Committee further finds that lower-income communities and communities that already experience environmental health burdens are more likely to be located near major roadways and other sources of transportation-based air pollution. This measure recognizes the public health impacts of air pollution from international combustion engine vehicles and affirms the State's commitment to transition away from the use of these vehicles to cleaner transportation options.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 201 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Transportation.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair