Printable Version

Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Acquisition Requirements

State and county agencies must purchase light-duty vehicles that reduce petroleum consumption and meet the needs of the agency. The priority to be used for purchasing such vehicles is as follows:

1. Electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles;
2. Hydrogen or fuel cell vehicles;
3. Other alternative fuel vehicles;
4. Hybrid electric vehicles; and
5. Vehicles identified as top performers for fuel economy in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's annual "Fuel Economy Leaders" report.

Exemptions may apply. State agencies must purchase alternative fuels and ethanol blended gasoline when available, evaluate a purchase preference for biodiesel blends, and promote the efficient operation of vehicles. For the purpose of this requirement, an alternative fuel is defined as an alcohol fuel, an alcohol fuel blend containing at least 85% alcohol, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (propane), hydrogen, biodiesel, a biodiesel blend containing at least 20% biodiesel, a fuel derived from biological materials, and electricity from off-board energy sources.

(Reference Hawaii Revised Statutes 103D-412 and 196-9)