Transportation Policy
Policies that move Hawai‘i to efficient and renewable-fueled transportation are key to achieving the goals of the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative. More than 60% of Hawai‘i's current energy use is for transportation, and more than half of that is for aviation. Currently, the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative goal is to use clean energy to supply 70% of Hawai‘i's ground transportation needs. Partners and working groups are actively monitoring developments in clean energy options, and viable solutions will be incorporated into the initiative's overall goals as they become available. Recent policy initiatives and major policies related to clean energy transportation in Hawai‘i include the following:
ACT 156 (09), SB 1202, signed June 25, 2009—The Transportation Energy Initiatives Act (PDF 1.1 MB) seeks to make Hawai‘i residents more comfortable investing in electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by fostering development of electric-vehicle infrastructure. The new law requires parking lots to include spaces dedicated to electrically charged vehicles and sets up a grant program for building electric-vehicle infrastructure. Download Adobe Reader.
Ethanol-blended fuel requirement—Hawai‘i requires at least 85% of unleaded gasoline to contain 10% ethanol.
Reduced state excise tax for alternative fuels—Hawai‘i charges a lower state excise tax on ethanol, biodiesel, and other alternative automotive transportation fuel sales than it does on diesel and gasoline sales.
Ethanol production incentive—Hawai‘ian law provides for a tax credit for ethanol production facilities through 2017.
For information on additional policy options that would address Hawai‘i's heavy dependence on imported oil for transportation, see Options for Transportation Policy.
For more on current Hawai‘i policy relating to efficient and renewable automotive transportation, please see the DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center.
Visit Policy Reports to learn more about energy studies and analyses for the islands.
