Hawaii Senate Bill SB3311

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/22
• Refer: 1/28/22
• Report Pass: 2/18/22
• Refer: 2/18/22
• Report Pass: 3/4/22
• Engrossed: 3/8/22
• Refer: 3/10/22
• Report Pass: 3/18/22
• Refer: 3/18/22
• Report Pass: 3/24/22
• Refer: 3/24/22
• Report Pass: 4/8/22
• Enrolled: 4/19/22

Caption

Relating To Transportation.

Impact

One of the significant aspects of the bill is the creation of two specialized working groups: the Interisland Transportation Working Group and the Electric Vehicle Sales Growth Working Group. These groups are tasked with developing concrete plans, metrics, and recommendations for achieving zero emissions transportation. They will involve various stakeholders, including government agencies, industry representatives, and local communities, fostering collaboration towards sustainable transportation methods in Hawaii. The establishment of these groups is intended to ensure that efforts towards zero emissions are coordinated and effective.

Summary

Senate Bill 3311, also referred to as the Hawaii Clean Transportation Initiative, proposes to tackle transportation emissions through a structured and collaborative approach. The bill seeks to establish long-term goals aimed at achieving zero emissions across all transportation modes in Hawaii. This encompasses ground transportation, interisland transportation, and international transpacific transportation. It emphasizes a framework that mandates applicable state departments and agencies to actively pursue the targets of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced sustainable practices.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding SB3311 appears positive, with a shared commitment to promoting sustainable transportation and reducing environmental impacts. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step towards addressing climate change and achieving a cleaner environment for residents. However, there may also be concerns regarding the practical implications of implementing these goals, particularly the feasibility of achieving zero emissions in a timely manner and the potential economic impacts on industries reliant on traditional transportation methods.

Contention

Key points of contention may arise concerning the balance between aggressively pursuing zero emissions and the practical realities of transitioning existing transportation infrastructure. Some stakeholders might express concerns about the cost and the logistics of achieving the infrastructure upgrades necessary for an electric vehicle-friendly state. Moreover, while the intention is to support electric vehicle growth, there may be discussions about how to sustain access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes for electric vehicles and how to incentivize their adoption effectively.