Hawaii Senate Bill SB370

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/25/23
• Report Pass: 3/1/24
• Engrossed: 3/5/24
• Refer: 3/7/24

Caption

Relating To Electric Vehicle Charging Systems.

Impact

If enacted, SB370 will empower counties to enforce requirements for electric vehicle charging systems even in facilities with fewer than one hundred parking spaces. This regulatory change aims to increase the availability of charging stations, which is particularly lacking in the neighbor islands. The bill also establishes a clean ground transportation working group tasked with formulating plans for charging stations across these islands, thereby advancing electric vehicle readiness and ultimately supporting sustainable transportation initiatives throughout the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 370 aims to enhance the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across Hawaii, particularly addressing the growing need for publicly accessible charging stations. As the number of electric vehicles in the state is on the rise, the bill emphasizes that effective charging infrastructure is key to achieving the state's decarbonization goals. A major focus of SB370 is to amend the existing law which allows property owners to aggregate required charging spaces across multiple locations. The bill seeks to close this loophole by mandating that property owners must adhere to the requirements within the same county, ensuring equitable distribution of resources across different areas.

Sentiment

The reception of SB370 appears to be largely positive among environmental advocates and stakeholders supporting electric vehicle adoption, emphasizing the bill’s potential to foster sustainable practices. However, there may be concerns regarding mandated infrastructure costs for property owners, particularly smaller businesses. Nonetheless, supporters argue that strengthening the EV charging network is vital for public convenience and environmental objectives, indicating a strong legislative commitment to climate initiatives.

Contention

One notable point of contention involves the balance between regulatory requirements and property owner autonomy. While the bill’s intent is to ensure adequate charging infrastructure across counties, some stakeholders may view the loss of flexibility in aggregating charging stations as a burden. Moreover, the establishment of an expedited permitting process entails complexities around compliance timelines and resource allocation among local governments. The overall debate encapsulates broader themes of environmental responsibility versus economic implications for business owners.