Transportation Emission Reduction Goal and Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Support

Hawaii established state goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve zero emissions across all transportation sectors by 2045. To support these goals, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) must establish a Clean Ground Transportation Working Group and an Interisland and Transpacific Clean Transportation Working Group. HDOT and the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) must develop plans in coordination with both working groups to ensure sufficient EV charging capacity to support the growing use of electric modes of transportation in Hawaii. HDOT and HSEO must:

• Develop a plan to increase the State’s electric charging capacity at a rate that exceeds state electric vehicle (EV) sales and projected charging needs;
• Allow EVs to access high-occupancy vehicle lanes until EVs constitute at least 40% of all new vehicle sales; and,
• Develop and implement other options to accelerate the transition to zero-emission transportation.

The working groups must submit an annual report to the Hawaii Legislature on progress made and recommendations.

(Reference Senate Bill 1024, 2023 and Hawaii Revised Statutes 225P-5)