Bill > SB586

This bill addresses climate change mitigation by requiring counties to transition to zero-emission buses (ZEBs) and state agencies to prioritize low-emission vehicles in their procurement policies. Specifically, the bill mandates that beginning January 1, 2045, counties operating mass transit services can only use zero-emission buses, which are defined as motor buses that produce no exhaust emissions and include battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell-electric buses. For state agencies, the procurement policy will prioritize vehicle types in this order: zero-emission vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles. The bill also requires the public utilities commission to amend administrative rules to encourage motor carriers to upgrade to zero-emission buses by 2045. Additionally, the bill applies to school bus contracts, stipulating that starting July 1, 2025, the state cannot enter into long-term bus contracts for buses that are not zero-emission, and by January 1, 2045, all new school bus contracts must be for zero-emission buses. The legislation is part of Hawaii's broader commitment to become net carbon negative by 2045 and reduce dependence on fossil fuels in ground transportation, reflecting an urgent response to the existential threat of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=586&year=2026