Transportation (Electric Vehicles)

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 15, 2026

GM 1362: Informing the Legislature that on July 15, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2021 HD2 SD2 CD1 (ACT 259).

This bill, signed into law as Act 259, establishes new safety and labeling rules for electric bicycles in Hawaii to ensure responsible use on public roads. It prohibits unsafe riding behaviors such as stunts, wheelies, or riding in non-standard positions, while allowing the Department of Transportation and counties to define additional reckless actions. The law also mandates that manufacturers and sellers label bikes with their class, speed, and motor wattage, and requires them to inform buyers about legal restrictions regarding helmets, age limits, and road access. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that insurance is not required for road-legal electric bicycles and authorizes the Department of Transportation to impose fines up to $500 for violations of these new regulations.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by establishing rules for electric bicycles and mandating clear labeling to ensure responsible use on public roads.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 201: 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.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally acknowledges the health risks posed by air pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles to communities across Hawaii. It highlights how traffic-related pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and lower-income communities living near major roadways. The resolution affirms the state's commitment to transitioning toward cleaner transportation options to improve public health and air quality. It does not create new laws or funding but serves to recognize these issues and direct copies to relevant state officials.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered internal combustion engines, aligning with renewable energy and clean energy goals.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill acknowledges air pollution risks and affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation, aligning with environmental protection goals.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill acknowledges health risks from air pollution and affirms commitment to cleaner transportation to improve public health outcomes.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation choices and reducing air pollution from vehicles, supporting sustainable transportation improvements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Public Health Electric Vehicles

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SCR 101: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO TRANSITION THE SCHOOL BUSES USED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO ELECTRIC BUSES TO EXPAND THE BENEFITS ALREADY DEMONSTRATED IN OTHER PLACES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Education and Board of Education to create a plan for transitioning public school buses to electric models. The bill cites existing state laws requiring greenhouse gas reduction and energy independence as the legal basis for this initiative. It references successful examples from other districts, such as Oakland, where electric buses have shown benefits like longer lifespans, lower operating costs, improved air quality, and enhanced disaster response capabilities. The resolution requests that the education agencies collaborate with stakeholders and submit a report with findings and a proposed implementation plan to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes infrastructure improvement for schools by transitioning to electric buses, enhancing air quality and operational efficiency for students and staff.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes transition to electric school buses, advancing renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence in transportation.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes transition to electric school buses, reducing emissions and improving air quality, directly supporting environmental protection goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes transition to electric school buses, enhancing sustainable transportation and reducing emissions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Electric Vehicles Air Quality Climate Change Electric Vehicles

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 209: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ESTABLISH A FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDY AND FARE-FREE TRANSIT FISCAL IMPACT WORKING GROUP TO IDENTIFY THE IMPACTS OF FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDIES AND THE ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND HEALTH IMPACTS OF STATEWIDE FARE-FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.

This bill directs the Hawaii Department of Transportation to create a working group that will study the costs and benefits of fossil fuel subsidies and fare-free public transit. The group will analyze how much federal money supports fossil fuels in Hawaii, calculate the true cost of gasoline when accounting for environmental and health impacts, and model the financial effects of eliminating fares on public transportation across all counties. The working group must include representatives from transportation agencies, economic researchers, and community organizations to produce policy recommendations aligned with Hawaii's goal of a zero-emissions economy by 2045.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes working group to study fare-free public transit and fossil fuel subsidies, indicating support for expanding public transportation and sustainable transportation options.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Public Transit Transportation Funding

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 191: 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.

This House Resolution acknowledges the public health risks posed by air pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles, particularly in communities near busy roadways and among vulnerable populations like children and older adults. It highlights how traffic-related pollutants can affect both outdoor and indoor air quality, potentially contributing to respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems. The resolution affirms the state's commitment to transitioning toward cleaner transportation options and directs copies of the document to key state officials to inform future policy decisions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes transition to cleaner transportation and addresses air pollution from internal combustion engines, supporting renewable energy and clean energy infrastructure goals.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill acknowledges air pollution risks and affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation, indicating support for environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill acknowledges public health risks from air pollution and affirms commitment to cleaner transportation, indirectly supporting public health initiatives.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill affirms commitment to transitioning toward cleaner transportation choices and addresses air pollution from vehicles, promoting sustainable transportation options.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Air Quality Recycling Public Health Electric Vehicles

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SR 95: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO TRANSITION THE SCHOOL BUSES USED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO ELECTRIC BUSES TO EXPAND THE BENEFITS ALREADY DEMONSTRATED IN OTHER PLACES.

This Senate Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Education and Board of Education to create a plan for transitioning school buses used for public transportation to electric models. The bill cites existing state laws requiring greenhouse gas reduction and energy independence as the legal basis for this request. It calls for collaboration with districts that have already made the switch, such as Oakland, to evaluate potential benefits including reduced emissions, lower operating costs, improved air quality, and enhanced disaster response capabilities. The resolution requires a report with findings and recommendations to be submitted to the Legislature by the end of 2026.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes infrastructure improvement for schools by transitioning to electric buses, reducing emissions and operating costs, enhancing student transportation and safety.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes transition to electric school buses, reducing emissions and fossil fuel dependence, aligning with renewable energy and energy efficiency goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes transition to electric school buses, reducing emissions and supporting clean energy goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes transition to electric school buses, enhancing sustainable transportation and reducing emissions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Electric Vehicles Air Quality Climate Change Electric Vehicles

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 100: 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.

This Senate Resolution recognizes the public health risks posed by air pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles and highlights how traffic-related pollution disproportionately affects communities near major roadways, including children, older adults, and lower-income populations. The document affirms the state's commitment to transitioning toward cleaner transportation choices to improve air quality and protect public health. It does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a formal acknowledgment of these health concerns and environmental justice issues to inform future policy decisions. Copies of the resolution are sent to state officials responsible for transportation and energy policy.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes transition to cleaner transportation and reduces reliance on internal combustion engines, aligning with clean energy goals.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation and reducing air pollution from internal combustion engines, directly supporting environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation to improve air quality and protect public health, directly supporting healthcare by reducing pollution-related health risks.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes transition to cleaner transportation choices and addresses air pollution from vehicles, supporting sustainable transportation improvements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Air Quality Environmental Justice Public Health Electric Vehicles

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 134: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO TRANSITION THE SCHOOL BUSES USED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO ELECTRIC BUSES TO EXPAND THE BENEFITS ALREADY DEMONSTRATED IN OTHER PLACES.

This bill is a non-binding resolution that urges Hawaii's Department of Education and Board of Education to create a plan for transitioning school buses to electric vehicles. It directs these agencies to collaborate with districts that have already made the switch, such as Oakland, to study potential benefits like reduced emissions, lower maintenance costs, and improved student safety. The resolution requires a report with findings and recommendations to be submitted to the Legislature by late 2027.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes electric school buses to improve student safety, reduce emissions, and lower maintenance costs, enhancing school infrastructure and transportation.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes transition to electric school buses, reducing fossil fuel dependence and advancing clean energy infrastructure.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes transition to electric school buses, reducing emissions and pollution, which directly supports environmental protection goals.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes electric school buses to reduce emissions and improve safety, advancing sustainable transportation infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 31, 2026

HR 112: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A FRAMEWORK TO REGULATE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES UNDER THE MOTOR CARRIER LAW.

This House Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Transportation and Public Utilities Commission to create a plan for regulating ride-sharing companies under the state's existing Motor Carrier Law. The bill targets transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft, which currently operate without the same regulations as traditional taxi services. The agencies must develop a regulatory framework and submit their findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026. This resolution does not immediately change laws but directs officials to study how to apply current safety and operational rules to modern ride-sharing platforms.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill regulates ride-sharing companies for consumer protection, aligning with tech regulation for public safety and fairness.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes regulatory framework for transportation network companies under existing Motor Carrier Law, enhancing oversight and safety standards in transportation sector.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Electric Vehicles

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 142: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO TRANSITION THE SCHOOL BUSES USED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO ELECTRIC BUSES TO EXPAND THE BENEFITS ALREADY DEMONSTRATED IN OTHER PLACES.

This bill urges Hawaii's Department of Education to create a plan for transitioning its public school buses to electric vehicles. The resolution cites existing state laws requiring greenhouse gas reduction and energy independence, while highlighting benefits observed in other districts like Oakland, including lower operating costs, improved air quality, and enhanced disaster response capabilities. The Department of Education is asked to collaborate with stakeholders, study the Oakland model, and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. As a concurrent resolution, this document serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law that directly mandates funding or immediate changes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves school infrastructure by transitioning buses to electric vehicles, enhancing air quality and disaster response capabilities for students.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly promotes transition to electric school buses, advancing renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence in transportation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes transition to electric school buses, reducing emissions and improving air quality, directly supporting environmental protection goals.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes transition to electric school buses, enhancing sustainable transportation and reducing emissions while improving air quality and disaster response capabilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Electric Vehicles Air Quality Climate Change Electric Vehicles

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