Bill > HB788

This bill establishes an electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling and reuse working group within the Hawaii State Energy Office to address the growing number of EV batteries entering the waste stream. The working group will be co-chaired by the chief energy officer and the director of health, and will include representatives from various industries such as EV manufacturing, automotive repair, energy storage, electronic waste recycling, and environmental organizations. The group's primary tasks include developing best management practices for EV battery recycling and reuse, coordinating with relevant organizations, and creating policy recommendations. By December 2025, the working group must submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature analyzing opportunities and barriers to battery reuse and recycling, comparing in-state and out-of-state recycling options, assessing cost and environmental impacts, and exploring the feasibility of establishing a recycling program. The working group recognizes the increasing EV market in Hawaii (currently about 15% of new car sales) and aims to prevent potential environmental harm from improper battery disposal. The group will be dissolved on June 30, 2026, after submitting its final report and recommendations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=788&year=2025