Bill > HB344

This bill aims to support electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Hawaii by requiring new state building construction to include EV-ready parking spaces and establishing a statewide plan for retrofitting existing state facilities with EV charging capabilities. Specifically, starting July 1, 2026, all new state building construction with parking must include a number of parking stalls that are "electric vehicle charger-ready," which means having sufficient electrical infrastructure to support Level 2 charging stations. The Hawaii State Energy Office will conduct a comprehensive survey of existing state facilities, including parking lots, to identify between four and ten high-priority sites for EV charging infrastructure retrofits. The bill requires the office to submit a detailed report to the Legislature before the 2026 regular session, outlining the survey results and recommended facilities for upgrades. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds for conducting cost assessments and installing EV charging systems at these high-priority state facilities. The legislation is motivated by the growing adoption of electric vehicles in Hawaii, which increased to 15% of new car sales in 2024, and aims to provide more charging options, particularly for renters and low-income families who may not have home charging access, while also supporting grid efficiency by encouraging daytime charging.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=344&year=2026