Bill > SB391

This bill establishes an End-of-Life Lithium-ion Battery Management Working Group within the Hawaii state energy office to address the complex challenges of managing and recycling lithium-ion batteries. The working group will be composed of government representatives from energy offices, health departments, county waste management and fire departments, and will also invite additional members from industries related to electronic waste, battery manufacturing, electronics, shipping, insurance, and retail, as well as environmental and policy organizations. The group's primary objectives include examining best practices for battery management, comparing recycling options and their costs, safety, and environmental impacts, analyzing the feasibility of recycling both in-state and internationally, assessing infrastructure needs, and evaluating potential enforcement strategies for a battery recycling program. By January 2026, the working group is required to submit a comprehensive report to the legislature detailing their findings and recommendations, including potential legislative proposals. The working group will be dissolved on June 30, 2026, marking the conclusion of its investigative and recommendation-development phase. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, providing a structured approach to addressing the growing challenge of lithium-ion battery disposal and recycling.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=391&year=2026