Hawaii Senate Bill SB3273

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/29/24

Caption

Relating To Climate Change.

Impact

The bill mandates the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to devise strategies aimed at reducing vehicle miles traveled. This includes the establishment of a statewide reduction target and benchmarks for assessing progress. The commission is tasked to collaborate with various state and county agencies, thereby fostering a multi-agency approach to tackle transportation emissions and aligning efforts in the implementation of reduction policies.

Summary

SB3273, a bill introduced in Hawaii's legislature, focuses on addressing climate change through the reduction of vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Recognizing the challenge of increasing transportation-related emissions, which have surged nearly forty percent over the last twenty-five years, the bill aims to establish a coordinated effort to mitigate these emissions. It emphasizes the importance of setting measurable targets and strategies, as the current methods to curb VMT have proven ineffective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward in its goals, discussions and sentiments around it highlight potential areas of contention regarding the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed strategies. Some stakeholders may express concern over the implications of mandating such changes, especially in terms of how they might affect local economies, transportation sectors, and the public's mobility options. The requirement for a report back to the legislature prior to the regular session of 2025 provides a timeline for examination of the proposed measures, ensuring that they are scrutinized for practical implementation.