HB 1620: PUC; Public Utilities Commission Special Fund; Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount; Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount; Transfer
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-03-25
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-03-30: Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to CPN/WAM.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Requires the Public Utilities Commission to transfer funds from the Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount of the Public Utilities Commission Special Fund to the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount of the Fund. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Increases the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and the amount collected from the tax that is deposited into the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to transfer funds from the hydrogen fueling system subaccount to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Increases the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and the amount collected from the tax that is deposited into the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. Transfers funds from the hydrogen fueling system subaccount to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Increases the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and the amount collected from the tax that is deposited into the electric vehicle charging system subaccount.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1620 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ENERGY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the electric vehicle charging system rebate program, established pursuant to Act 142, Session Laws of Hawaii 2019, provides rebates for the installation of electric vehicle charging systems in priority locations, including multi-unit dwellings, workplaces, and commercial areas, and in places that serve vehicle fleets. This program has proven very successful for its initial limited size and scale, facilitating the installation of over four hundred fifty new charging systems in the State.
The legislature further finds that the need for electric vehicle charging infrastructure only continues to increase, which in turn is widening the shortfall in infrastructure available to meet this need. Public incentives must dramatically increase to fill this growing gap and meet further needs going forward. Hawaii is currently among the leading states in the nation in the rate of electric vehicle adoption but among the last in the availability of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The legislature additionally finds that the availability and accessibility of electric vehicle charging infrastructure support the economy, protect the environment and climate, and promote affordability and livability in the State. The ongoing shift from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles in the Hawaii market enables families to save on their cost of living by giving them more affordable transportation options without onerous gas bills. It also benefits the local economy by reducing the massive drain of funds out of the State to pay for imported fossil fuels. The lack of charging availability, however, is a major barrier for consumers to shift to electric vehicles. A robust and comprehensive electric vehicle charging network is particularly needed to bring equity to the market and to make electric vehicles a viable choice for everyone, including renters, condominium residents, and lower-income households and communities.
The 2025 energy security and waste reduction plan that the Hawaii department of transportation developed under the landmark Navahine settlement agreement recognizes the need to dramatically scale up the electrification of transportation to meet legal mandates to decarbonize the statewide transportation system. The plan also recognizes that building out Hawaii's electric vehicle charging infrastructure is an integral part of the recommended "multifaceted approach" to drive progress on this front.
The purpose of this Act is to expand the electric vehicle charging system rebate program and accelerate the build-out of necessary electric vehicle charging infrastructure by transferring funds from the hydrogen fueling system subaccount of the public utilities commission special fund to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount within the same fund.
SECTION 2. The public utilities commission shall transfer from the hydrogen fueling system subaccount to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount of the public utilities commission special fund, established pursuant to section 269-33, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the sum of $ on July 1, 2026.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
PUC; Public Utilities Commission Special Fund; Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount; Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount; Transfer
Description:
Requires the Public Utilities Commission to transfer funds from the Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount of the Public Utilities Commission Special Fund to the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount of the Fund. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1620 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ENERGY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the electric vehicle charging system rebate program, established pursuant to Act 142, Session Laws of Hawaii 2019, provides rebates for the installation of electric vehicle charging systems in priority locations, including multi-unit dwellings, workplaces, and commercial areas, and in places that serve vehicle fleets. After the initial funding provided in 2019 was depleted, the legislature recognized the need for a sustainable source of funding and dedicated a small portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax, also known as the "barrel tax," to fund the electric vehicle charging system rebate program through an electric vehicle charging system subaccount. This program has proven very successful for its initial limited size and scale, facilitating the installation of over four hundred fifty new charging systems in the State.
The legislature further finds that the need for electric vehicle charging infrastructure only continues to increase, which in turn is widening the shortfall in infrastructure available to meet this need. Public incentives must dramatically increase to fill this growing gap and meet further needs going forward. Hawaii is currently among the leading states in the nation in the rate of electric vehicle adoption but among the last in the availability of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The legislature additionally finds that the availability and accessibility of electric vehicle charging infrastructure support the economy, protect the environment and climate, and promote affordability and livability in the State. The ongoing shift from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles in the Hawaii market enables families to save on their cost of living by giving them more affordable transportation options without onerous gas bills. It also benefits the local economy by reducing the massive drain of funds out of the State to pay for imported fossil fuels. The lack of charging availability, however, is a major barrier for consumers to shift to electric vehicles. A robust and comprehensive electric vehicle charging network is particularly needed to bring equity to the market and to make electric vehicles a viable choice for everyone, including renters, condominium residents, and lower-income households and communities.
The 2025 energy security and waste reduction plan that the Hawaii department of transportation developed under the landmark Navahine settlement agreement recognizes the need to dramatically scale up the electrification of transportation to meet legal mandates to decarbonize the statewide transportation system. The plan also recognizes that building out Hawaii's electric vehicle charging infrastructure is an integral part of the recommended "multifaceted approach" to drive progress on this front.
The purpose of this Act is to expand the electric vehicle charging system rebate program and accelerate the build-out of necessary electric vehicle charging infrastructure by:
(1) Increasing the environmental response, energy, and food security tax;
(2) Increasing the amount collected from the tax that is deposited into the electric vehicle charging system subaccount; and
SECTION 2. Section 243-3.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a) In addition to any other taxes provided by
law, subject to the exemptions set forth in section 243-7, there is hereby
imposed a state environmental response, energy, and food security tax on each
barrel or fractional part of a barrel of petroleum product sold by a
distributor to any retail dealer or end user of petroleum product, other than a
refiner. The tax shall be [$1.05]
$ on each
barrel or fractional part of a barrel of petroleum product that is not aviation
fuel; provided that of the tax collected pursuant to this subsection:
(1) 5 cents of the tax on each barrel shall be deposited into the environmental response revolving fund established under section 128D-2;
(2) 4 cents of the tax on each barrel shall be deposited into the energy security special fund established under section 201-12.8;
(3) 5 cents of the tax on each barrel shall be
deposited into the energy systems development special fund established under
section 304A-2169.1;
(4) [3]
cents of the tax on each barrel shall be deposited into the electric vehicle
charging system subaccount established pursuant to section 269-33(e); and
(5) 3 cents of the tax on each barrel shall be deposited into the hydrogen fueling system subaccount established pursuant to section 269-33(f).
The tax imposed by this subsection shall be paid by the distributor of the petroleum product."
SECTION 3. The public utilities commission shall transfer from the hydrogen fueling system subaccount to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount of the public utilities commission special fund, established pursuant to section 269-33, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the sum of $ on July 1, 2026.
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax; Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount; Increase; Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount; Public Utilities Commission; Transfer
Description:
Increases the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and the amount collected from the tax that is deposited into the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to transfer funds from the hydrogen fueling system subaccount to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1620 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ENERGY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the electric vehicle charging system rebate program, established pursuant to Act 142, Session Laws of Hawaii 2019, provides rebates for the installation of electric vehicle charging systems in priority locations, including multi-unit dwellings, workplaces, and commercial areas, and in places that serve vehicle fleets. After the initial funding provided in 2019 was depleted, the legislature recognized the need for a sustainable source of funding and dedicated a small portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax, also known as the "barrel tax," to fund the electric vehicle charging system rebate program through an electric vehicle charging system subaccount. This program has proven very successful for its initial limited size and scale, facilitating the installation of over four hundred fifty new charging systems in the State.
The legislature further finds that the need for electric vehicle charging infrastructure only continues to increase, which in turn is widening the shortfall in infrastructure available to meet this need. Public incentives must dramatically increase to fill this growing gap and meet further needs going forward. Hawaii is currently among the leading states in the nation in the rate of electric vehicle adoption but among the last in the availability of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The legislature additionally finds that the availability and accessibility of electric vehicle charging infrastructure support the economy, protect the environment and climate, and promote affordability and livability in the State. The ongoing shift from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles in the Hawaii market enables families to save on their cost of living by giving them more affordable transportation options without onerous gas bills. It also benefits the local economy by reducing the massive drain of funds out of the State to pay for imported fossil fuels. The lack of charging availability, however, is a major barrier for consumers to shift to electric vehicles. A robust and comprehensive electric vehicle charging network is particularly needed to bring equity to the market and to make electric vehicles a viable choice for everyone, including renters, condominium residents, and lower-income households and communities.
The 2025 energy security and waste reduction plan that the Hawaii department of transportation developed under the landmark Navahine settlement agreement recognizes the need to dramatically scale up the electrification of transportation to meet legal mandates to decarbonize the statewide transportation system. The plan also recognizes that building out Hawaii's electric vehicle charging infrastructure is an integral part of the recommended "multifaceted approach" to drive progress on this front.
The purpose of this Act is to expand the electric vehicle charging system rebate program and accelerate the build-out of necessary electric vehicle charging infrastructure by:
(1) Increasing the environmental response, energy, and food security tax;
(2) Increasing the amount collected from the tax that is deposited into the electric vehicle charging system subaccount; and
SECTION 2. Section 243-3.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a) In addition to any other taxes provided by
law, subject to the exemptions set forth in section 243-7, there is hereby
imposed a state environmental response, energy, and food security tax on each
barrel or fractional part of a barrel of petroleum product sold by a
distributor to any retail dealer or end user of petroleum product, other than a
refiner. The tax shall be [$1.05]
$ on each barrel or fractional part of a barrel
of petroleum product that is not aviation fuel; provided that of the tax collected
pursuant to this subsection:
(1) 5 cents of the tax on each barrel shall be deposited into the environmental response revolving fund established under section 128D-2;
(2) 4 cents of the tax on each barrel shall be deposited into the energy security special fund established under section 201-12.8;
(3) 5 cents of the tax on each barrel shall be
deposited into the energy systems development special fund established under
section 304A-2169.1;
(4) [3]
cents of the tax on each barrel shall be deposited into the electric vehicle
charging system subaccount established pursuant to section 269-33(e); and
(5) 3 cents of the tax on each barrel shall be deposited into the hydrogen fueling system subaccount established pursuant to section 269-33(f).
The tax imposed by this subsection shall be paid by the distributor of the petroleum product."
SECTION 3. There is transferred from the hydrogen fueling system subaccount to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount of the public utilities commission special fund, established pursuant to section 269-33, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the sum of $ .
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is
bracketed and stricken. New statutory
material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax; Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount; Increase; Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount; Transfer
Description:
Increases the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and the amount collected from the tax that is deposited into the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. Transfers funds from the hydrogen fueling system subaccount to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1620 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to energy.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the electric vehicle charging system rebate program, established pursuant to Act 142, Session Laws of Hawaii 2019, provides rebates for the installation of electric vehicle charging systems in priority locations, including multi-unit dwellings, workplaces, and commercial areas, and in places that serve vehicle fleets. After the initial funding provided in 2019 was depleted, the legislature recognized the need for a sustainable source of funding and dedicated a small portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax, also known as the "barrel tax," to fund the electric vehicle charging system rebate program through an electric vehicle charging system subaccount. This program has proven very successful for its initial limited size and scale, facilitating the installation of over four hundred fifty new charging systems in the State.
The legislature further finds that the need for electric vehicle charging infrastructure only continues to increase, which in turn is widening the shortfall in infrastructure available to meet this need. Public incentives must dramatically increase to fill this growing gap and meet further needs going forward. Hawaii is currently among the leading states in the nation in the rate of electric vehicle adoption but among the last in the availability of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The legislature additionally finds that the availability and accessibility of electric vehicle charging infrastructure support the economy, protect the environment and climate, and promote affordability and livability in the State. The ongoing shift from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles in the Hawaii market enables families to save on their cost of living by giving them more affordable transportation options without onerous gas bills. It also benefits the local economy by reducing the massive drain of funds out of the State to pay for imported fossil fuels. The lack of charging availability, however, is a major barrier for consumers to shift to electric vehicles. A robust and comprehensive electric vehicle charging network is particularly needed to bring equity to the market and to make electric vehicles a viable choice for everyone, including renters, condominium residents, and lower-income households and communities.
The 2025 energy security and waste reduction plan that the Hawaii department of transportation developed under the landmark Navahine settlement agreement recognizes the need to dramatically scale up the electrification of transportation to meet legal mandates to decarbonize the statewide transportation system. The plan also recognizes that building out Hawaii's electric vehicle charging infrastructure is an integral part of the recommended "multifaceted approach" to drive progress on this front.
The purpose of this Act is to expand the electric vehicle charging system rebate program and accelerate the build-out of necessary electric vehicle charging infrastructure by increasing:
(1) The environmental response, energy, and food security tax; and
(2) The amount collected from the tax that is deposited into the electric vehicle charging system subaccount.
SECTION 2. Section 243-3.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a) In addition to any other taxes provided by
law, subject to the exemptions set forth in section 243-7, there is hereby
imposed a state environmental response, energy, and food security tax on each
barrel or fractional part of a barrel of petroleum product sold by a
distributor to any retail dealer or end user of petroleum product, other than a
refiner. The tax shall be [$1.05]
$1.15 on each barrel or fractional part of a barrel of petroleum product
that is not aviation fuel; provided that of the tax collected pursuant to this
subsection:
(1) 5 cents of the tax on each barrel shall be deposited into the environmental response revolving fund established under section 128D-2;
(2) 4 cents of the tax on each barrel shall be deposited into the energy security special fund established under section 201-12.8;
(3) 5 cents of the tax on each barrel shall be
deposited into the energy systems development special fund established under
section 304A-2169.1;
(4) [3] 13 cents of the tax on each
barrel shall be deposited into the electric vehicle charging system subaccount
established pursuant to section 269-33(e); and
(5) 3 cents of the tax on each barrel shall be deposited into the hydrogen fueling system subaccount established pursuant to section 269-33(f).
The tax imposed by this subsection shall be paid by the distributor of the petroleum product."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax; Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount; Increase
Description:
Increases the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and the amount collected from the tax that is deposited into the electric vehicle charging system subaccount.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Mar 30, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to CPN/WAM. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from AEN/EIG (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3220) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to CPN/WAM. |
| Mar 18, 2026 | The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in AEN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Gabbard, DeCoite, Rhoads; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Richards ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 18, 2026 | The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EIG were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Wakai, Chang, DeCoite; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Richards, Fevella ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on AEN/EIG has scheduled a public hearing on 03-18-26 3:10PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Referred to AEN/EIG, CPN/WAM. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 30). |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Gedeon, Kong, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Pierick, Shimizu voting no (8) and Representative(s) Perruso excused (1). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 882-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 2, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 15 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Gedeon; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Alcos. |
| Feb 27, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Monday, 03-02-26 10:00AM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Gedeon, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Pierick, Shimizu voting no (7) and none excused (0). |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Reported from TRN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 550-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending referral to FIN. |
| Feb 17, 2026 | The committee on TRN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Kila, Miyake, Evslin, Grandinetti, Kitagawa, La Chica; Ayes with reservations: none; 2 Noes: Representative(s) Muraoka, Pierick; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Cochran. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by TRN on Tuesday, 02-17-26 9:30AM in House conference room 430 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 4, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on TRN with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Gedeon, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Pierick, Shimizu voting no (7) and Representative(s) Kitagawa excused (1). |
| Feb 4, 2026 | Reported from EEP (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 16-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to TRN. |
| Jan 29, 2026 | The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Lowen, Perruso, Kahaloa, Kusch; Ayes with reservations: none; 1 Noes: Representative(s) Matsumoto; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Chun, Quinlan. |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by EEP on Thursday, 01-29-26 9:30AM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Referred to EEP, TRN, FIN, referral sheet 1 |
| Jan 21, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 16, 2026 | Prefiled. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Mar 18, 2026 | The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment |
Passed |
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| Mar 18, 2026 | The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs |
Passed |
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| Mar 5, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 2, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Feb 17, 2026 | The committee on TRN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Transportation |
Passed |
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| Jan 29, 2026 | The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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|---|---|---|
| 350 Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Carbon Cashback Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Clean Elections Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Climate Protectors Hawai‘i | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Department of Transportation | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Department of Transportation | *** Support | Mar 2, 2026 |
| Earthjustice | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Grassroot Institute of Hawaii | *** Against | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Green Power Projects LLC | *** Support | Mar 2, 2026 |
| Hawaii Electric Vehicle Association | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Electric Vehicle Associaion | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Electric Vehicle Association | *** Support | Mar 2, 2026 |
| Hawaii Electric Vehicle Association (Hawaii EV Association) | *** Support | Feb 17, 2026 |
| Hawaii EV Association | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Hawaii EV Association (board) | *** Support | Feb 17, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Tax Fairness Coalition | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Workers Center | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Youth Transportation Council | ** Support | |
| Hawai’i Youth Transportation Council | *** Support | Jan 29, 2026 |
| Honolulu Tenants Union | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Imua Alliance | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Kauai Climate Action Coalition | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Office of Hawaiian Affairs | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Our Children's Trust | ** Support | |
| Our Children’s Trust | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Our Children’s Trust (intern) | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Public Utilities Commission | ** Support | |
| Public Utilities Commission | ** Support | |
| Public Utilities Commission | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Public Utilities Commission | *** Support | Mar 2, 2026 |
| Public Utilities Commission, State of Hawaii | *** Support | Feb 17, 2026 |
| Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| University of Hawaiʻi Student Ohana for Sustainability | *** Support | Jan 29, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 882-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1620
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 Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1620, H.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENERGY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Increase the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and the amount collected from the tax that is deposited into the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount; and
(2) Require the Public Utilities Commission to transfer funds from the Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount to the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Public Utilities Commission; Kauai Climate Action Coalition; Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi; Carbon Cashback Hawaiʻi; Earthjustice; Imua Alliance; Hawaii Electric Vehicle Associaion; Our Children's Trust; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Taxation; Hawaii State Energy Office; and Tax Foundation of Hawaii.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1620, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ CHRIS TODD, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 550-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1620
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 Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 1620, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENERGY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Increase the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and the amount collected from the tax that is deposited into the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount; and
(2) Transfer funds from the Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount to the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Public Utilities Commission; Carbon Cashback Hawaiʻi; Kauai Climate Action Coalition; Earthjustice; Our Children's Trust; 350Hawaii.org; Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi; Hawaii Electric Vehicle Association; Imua Alliance; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Taxation; Department of the Attorney General; Hawaii State Energy Office; and Tax Foundation of Hawaii.
Your Committee finds that Hawaii's transition to a clean energy economy depends in large part on the rapid electrification of the transportation sector and the availability of reliable, accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure statewide. Although the Electric Vehicle Charging System Rebate Program has successfully supported the installation of hundreds of charging systems since its establishment, demand for infrastructure continues to outpace supply, creating a significant barrier to broader electric vehicle adoption, particularly for renters, condominium residents, and lower-income communities. By increasing the environmental response, energy, and food security tax, dedicating additional revenues to the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount, and transferring funds from the Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount to strengthen and expand the rebate program, this measure accelerates the build-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, reducing the State's dependence on imported fossil fuels and advancing the State's climate goals.
Your Committee has amended this measure by specifying that the Public Utilities Commission shall effectuate the transfer of funds from the Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount to the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount on July 1, 2026.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1620, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1620, H.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,
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____________________________ DARIUS KILA, Chair |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 16-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1620
H.D. 1
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.B. No. 1620 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENERGY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation; Public Utilities Commission; Imua Alliance; Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi; Hawaii Electric Vehicle Association; Earthjustice; Hawaiʻi Youth Transportation Council; Our Children's Trust; and three individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Taxation; Hawaii State Energy Office; and Tax Foundation of Hawaii.
Your Committee finds that the Electric Vehicle Charging System Rebate Program provides rebates for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in certain priority locations. While this Program has been effective, your Committee recognizes that Hawaii still ranks low compared to other states in terms of the availability of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Accordingly, this measure seeks to support the availability of this infrastructure by increasing funding for the Electric Vehicle Charging System Rebate Program.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the environmental response, energy, and food security tax rate and the amount collected from the tax that is deposited into the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount to unspecified amounts;
(2) Transferring funds from the Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount to the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount;
(3) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider:
(1) An environmental response, energy, and food security tax rate of $1.15 per barrel, with 13 cents of the tax per barrel to be deposited into the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount; and
(2) A transfer amount of $1,000,000 from the Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount to the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount.
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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1620, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1620, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Transportation.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,
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____________________________ NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Mar 18, 2026 | HB1620_HD2_TESTIMONY_AEN-EIG_03-18-26_.PDF |
| Mar 2, 2026 | HB1620_HD2_TESTIMONY_FIN_03-02-26_.PDF |
| Feb 17, 2026 | HB1620_HD1_TESTIMONY_TRN_02-17-26_.PDF |
| Jan 29, 2026 | HB1620_TESTIMONY_EEP_01-29-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
11MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment
11MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Housing
11MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
4MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment
4MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Housing
4MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
13SEC
House Standing Committee on Finance
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
