Relating To Motor Vehicles.
The bill will amend several sections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, particularly Chapter 286, affecting vehicle registration and importation processes. It places the burden of proof on vehicle dealers and individuals importing vehicles to demonstrate compliance with the zero net vehicle growth policy. Thus, both the registration of new imports and the operations of local dealers will require adherence to this new policy. Any dealer who wishes to bring new vehicles into the state must show they are in compliance to avoid penalties.
Senate Bill 135 establishes a 'Zero Net Vehicle Growth Policy' in Hawaii, aimed at ensuring that the total number of vehicles in the state does not exceed a predetermined threshold. This threshold will be calculated based on the number of registered vehicles as of January 1 of the effective year of the bill. A key provision of SB135 is that any new vehicle imported into Hawaii must be offset by the removal of an existing vehicle, either through recycling, destruction, or being transported out of the state, which aims to effectively curb vehicle growth and mitigate environmental impacts the influx of vehicles can have.
The potential for controversy arises from various stakeholders in the automotive and environmental sectors. Proponents of the bill argue that it addresses concerns related to environmental sustainability by controlling vehicle numbers, which could lead to reduced emissions and traffic congestion. However, critics, particularly in the automotive industry, may view these import restrictions as overly burdensome, potentially limiting consumer choice and affecting the local economy. There may also be concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing such a strict zero growth policy without significant impact on vehicle availability and dealer operations.