Hawaii
State Scorecard Rank
17
Hawaii
23.0Scored out of 50Updated 12/2022
State Government
Score: 2 out of 4.5
State Government Summary List All
Hawaii offers a loan to homeowners, businesses, nonprofits, and owners of multifamily buildings for investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The state government leads by example by benchmarking public buildings, requiring energy-efficient fleets, and encouraging the use of energy savings performance contracts. Hawaii is one of the few states with a residential energy-use disclosure policy. Research and development focused on energy efficiency is conducted at the University of Hawaii. In addition, Hawaii's state energy office recognizes and provides technical assistance to businesses for sustainable energy practices through its Green Business Program.
Financial Incentives List All
The state of Hawaii offers the following financial incentives to encourage energy efficiency improvements:
- Green Energy Market Securitization (GEMS) Program: The GEMS program was developed to specifically provide affordable and accessible low-interest loan options to residential and commercial customers in Hawaii, with minimal barriers to entry in their pursuit of renewable energy and energy efficiency equipment and infrastructure.
Further financial incentive information can be found in the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE Hawaii). The state does enable PACE, but it does not currently have any active PACE programs. For additional information on PACE, visit PACENation.
Last Reviewed: June 2022
Equity Metrics and Workforce DevelopmentList All
The increasing public challenges and vocalized community concerns about energy projects’ benefits and impacts on host communities have made it clear that Hawaiʻi State Energy Office (HSEO) needs to be more intentional in its efforts to reach out to and equitably include everyone in Hawaiʻi's transition to clean energy economy. To address this need, HSEO established a Civic Community Engagement Group with local community members to discuss and facilitate more collaborative approaches to energy project decision-making regarding energy projects within North and West Oahu. HSEO is also in the midst of a procurement process to develop and implement a community outreach and engagement program. The objective of this program is to build community and stakeholder support for the State's clean energy and climate goals and help to ensure that marginalized groups within Hawaiʻi have the appropriate tools to participate in and guide these clean energy and climate goals. This program will also establish an ongoing in-house capability for HSEO to educate and gather input from energy stakeholders including grassroots community members. Through the efforts of its VISTA members, HSEO has expanded its social media outreach to prioritize engagement with low-to-moderate communities within Hawaiʻi. HSEO utilizes its Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook presence to interact with community members; educate the public about Hawaiʻi's energy ecosystem, how different renewable energies are generated, and how energy systems are relevant to their lives and the climate crisis; and, direct residents to helpful energy financial assistance programs available across the State.
The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office (HSEO) currently sponsors three members from the Hawaiʻi State Climate Commission’s Climate Ready Hawaiʻi AmeriCorps VISTA six-member cohort. In 2019, the Climate Commission established a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) to investigate how climate change impacts inequities within Hawaiʻi. As a result, the PIG tasked the VISTA members to evaluate how energy, sustainability, and climate action initiatives within Hawaiʻi are affecting local low-to-moderate income and marginalized groups through the development of an equity playbook. The HSEO AmeriCorps members are currently developing the energy and transportation equity sections of this playbook, which include definitions, frameworks, and examples of climate equity within Hawaiʻi. The energy component of this playbook discusses energy burden, energy efficiency, and renewable energy as they relate to equity. Additionally, one HSEO VISTA is preparing a literature review of available climate and social vulnerability indices and energy burden tools useful for Hawaiʻi, as requested by the PIG, to help the State understand who the most vulnerable and marginalized communities are within the State and where they are geographically located. Examples of reviewed indices and energy burden tools include the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index, United for ALICE’s County Profile tool, the Department of Energy’s Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) tool, and Greenlink Analytic’s Greenlink Equity Map (GEM) tool. These projects will contribute to the State’s baseline understanding of, and capacity to address, the most marginalized and vulnerable communities within Hawaiʻi as it combats climate change and transitions to a clean energy economy.
Workforce Development
The Hawai'i State Energy Office’s (HSEO) Workforce Development Initiative (WDI) is identifying workforce needs in Hawai'i’s energy sector in order to efficiently and materially/scalably deploy workforce development funding, when available, to support and develop a Hawai'i workforce in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation.
Since the simultaneous development and installation of several utility-scale solar projects is a new opportunity in Hawai'i, an initial activity was to identify demand- and supply-side factors affecting these projects, potential workers and/or skill shortages, and value-added trainings or educational curriculum that could effectively and more efficiently address these issues. Subsequent efforts will expand the scope to other energy technologies (efficiency, electric vehicles and charging, energy storage) and state and county regulatory agencies.
A related effort, which has concluded, involved training by the University of Hawai'i Community Colleges (UHCC) for county agencies that regulate clean energy installations. Over 260 county employees were trained under the program. Funding was provided by the Hawai'i State Legislature through HSEO under Act 145, Session Laws of Hawai'i 2019. The continuation and expansion of the program is now being pursued.
Last Reviewed: July 2021
Carbon Pricing PoliciesList All
The State of Hawaii does not yet have carbon pricing policies in place.
Per state legislation HB 2182 and Hawaii Act 234, Hawaii does have a statewide emissions reduction goal in place, specifically to reduce emissions 100% by 2045 (baseline year 1990).
Last Updated: September 2022
Building Energy Disclosure List All
- Building type(s) affected: residential
§508D-10.5 requires residential property owners to disclose energy-efficiency consumer information at the time of sale or lease.
Last Reviewed: July 2017
Public Building Requirements List All
Hawaii Revised Statutes 196-9 requires newly constructed or substantially renovated state-owned facilities to be built to LEED Silver standards, but it is unclear if the policy specifically emphasizes energy efficiency points. Administrative Directive 06-01 (January 2006) states that newly constructed and renovated state buildings must adhere to LEED standards.
Hawaii Revised Statutes 196-30 addresses energy efficiency requirements for existing public buildings. By the end of 2010, state agencies were ordered to evaluate the energy efficiency of all existing public buildings that are larger than 5,000 square feet or use more than 8,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity or energy annually. Opportunities for increased energy efficiency must be identified by setting benchmarks for these buildings using Energy Star Portfolio Management or another similar tool. Buildings must be retro-commissioned every five years.
Hawaii completed a successful public benchmarking project with the support of DOE’s State Energy Program. Between 2014 and 2016, the state benchmarked 416 public facilities, including more than 2,600 buildings (some facilities like universities encompass multiple buildings) covering more than 29 million square feet. The benchmarking project found potential for all state agencies to save more than 56 million kilowatt hours annually—the equivalent to saving more than $25 million using current electricity rates.
The 2022 Hawaii State Legislature passed HB 1801 and sent it to Governor Ige for his signature. HB 1801 requires and establishes deadlines for state facilities, except facilities under 10,000 sf, to implement cost‐effective energy efficiency measures. The bill also directs the Hawaii State Energy Office to collect utility bill and energy usage data for state‐owned buildings and to make the data publicly available. And beginning 7/1/2023, where feasible and cost‐effective, the bill requires the design of all new state building construction to maximize energy and water efficiency, maximize energy generation potential, and use building materials that reduce the carbon footprint of the project.
Last Reviewed: June 2022
Fleets List All
Senate Bill 920 establishes clean ground transportation goals for state agencies to achieve a one hundred percent light-duty motor vehicles zero-emission fleet by December 31, 2030.
[§Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 225P-7] Climate change mitigation. (a) It shall be the goal of the State to reduce emissions that cause climate change and build energy efficiencies across all sectors, including decarbonizing the transportation sector. (b) State agencies shall manage their fleets to achieve the clean ground transportation goals defined in section 196‑9(c)(10) and decarbonization goals established pursuant to chapter 225P.
House Bill 2175 calls for each agency to purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicles that meet the needs of their programs, provided that life-cycle cost-benefit analysis of vehicle purchases include projected fuel costs. Eligible vehicles include those identified as a top performers for fuel economy in the U.S. EPA's "Fuel Economy Leaders" report.
Last Reviewed: June 2022
Energy Savings Performance Contracting List All
Hawaii Revised Statute 196-30 requires that “all agencies shall evaluate and identify for implementation energy efficiency retrofitting through performance contracting.” The ESPC program exists through the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Hawaii provides a manual that outlines and standardizes how to engage in an ESPC and outlines a list of prequalified ESCOs for state projects. The Energy Services Coalition reports that Hawaii spends more on energy performance contracting per capita than any other state.
Last year, Hawaii awarded the single largest ESPC in the United States to date, a $158 million contract to retrofit 12 of the state’s airports. The renovation is expected to result in 49% annual energy savings. The state’s airports division recently added a second phase to that project in March, bringing total guaranteed energy savings at Hawaii’s airports to more than $606 million over a 15-year period. In addition, Hawaii partnered in DOE’s Better Buildings ESPC Accelerator. The Accelerator catalyzed public-sector energy efficiency investments of more than $2 billion and left a legacy of valuable tools and resources behind.
Last Reviewed: September 2020
Research & Development List All
The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute at the University of Hawaii focuses on the development of technologies in the energy field. The Institute's work covers a wide range of research areas such as renewable energy, energy storage, energy-efficient buildings, fuel cells, grid systems, and transportation.
Last Reviewed: July 2017
Buildings
Score: 4.5 out of 12
Buildings Summary List All
On December 15, 2020, the Hawaii State Building Code Council adopted the 2018 IECC with state-specific amendments. The code will take effect for State Government buildings on December 14, 2021 unless the Governor specifies an earlier date. The counties have until December 14, 2022 to adopt the code with their amendments.
Residential Codes List All
On December 15, 2020, the Hawaii State Building Code Council adopted the 2018 IECC with state-specific amendments. The code took effect for State Government buildings on December 14, 2021 unless the Governor specified an earlier date. The counties have until December 14, 2022 to adopt the code with their amendments. (Link)
The County of Hawaii adopted the code in 2021. For the link to the Hawaii Amendments to the 2018 IECC, please see the Hawaii State Building Code Council's website.
The counties are permitted to adopt more stringent energy codes. The county of Honolulu included requirements for EV-ready and PV-ready provisions in its 2015 IECC, and is planning to do so in its 2018 IECC.
Last Reviewed: July 2022
Commercial Code List All
On December 15, 2020, the Hawaii State Building Code Council adopted the 2018 IECC with state-specific amendments. State government buildings must comply with the code no later than December 14, 2021, and the counties must adopt the code no later than December 14, 2022.
For the link to the Hawaii Amendments to the 2018 IECC, please see the Hawaii State Building Code Council's website.
Last Reviewed: July 2022
Compliance List All
- Baseline & Updated Compliance Studies: The Hawaii Energy Office completed an energy codes compliance study in 2018. The study was dependent on the number of respondents from the residential and commercial sectors. A statistically representative sample was not available.
- Utility Involvement: NA
- Stakeholder Advisory Group: The Hawaii Building Code Council was created by the State Legislature in 2007 to promulgate updated codes in accord with national three-year code cycles, and regularly convenes stakeholders to discuss relevant issues.
- Training/Outreach: The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO), working with various counties, has provided a number of training workshops for building construction, design and engineering professionals and building officials. Over 500 were trained this year on the 2018 IECC and Hawaii Amendments. Through its website, the HSEO also provides building code information and training materials provided at the workshops. The HSEO is also an active participant in the multi-state Community College Energy Code Training Program, sponsored by the University of Illinois' Smart Energy Design Assistance Center.
Last Reviewed: July 2022
CHP
CHP Summary List All
The state includes CHP as an eligible resource within its renewable energy standard, but otherwise has limited policies to encourage CHP. One new CHP system was installed in 2018.
Interconnection StandardsList All
Policy: Hawaii Public Utilities Commission Order 24159
Description: In April 2008, The Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), Hawaii’s largest electric utility, adopted, by order 24159, enhanced and improved interconnection regulations for distributed generation. Order 24159 makes changes to the existing interconnection standard applicable to HECO, Rule 14H. The new rules do not explicitly state that CHP is an eligible technology. The standard, which is based upon the IEEE 1547 standard, offers no explicit limit on size of system, but there are clearly expedited processes for systems smaller than 100kW.
Last Updated: August 2017
Encouraging CHP as a ResourceList All
CHP in energy efficiency standards: In 2004, SB 2474 expanded its existing renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to include “electric energy savings brought about by the use of energy efficiency technologies,” which includes CHP. The most recent amendments to the RPS became effective in July 2009. Under the standard, 40% of the state’s electricity must be generated by renewable electrical energy resources by 2030. Savings from energy efficiency programs and CHP (among other measures) could count towards meeting up to 50% of the standard through 2014, but after 2015, these savings no longer count toward Hawaii’s RPS, and will instead count towards Hawaii’s Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS), which was established in 2009 with the passage of HB 1464. The legislation set a goal of 4,300 gigawatt-hour (GWh) reduction in electricity use by 2030, but final rules for the EEPS have not yet been established.
Last Updated: August 2017
Deployment IncentivesList All
Incentives, grants, or financing: In July 2013, Hawaii enacted legislation allowing the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to issue Green Infrastructure Bonds for clean energy installations, including CHP.
Net metering: Small biomass energy systems are eligible for net metering in Hawaii, with a size limit of 100kW for customers of most utilities. CHP is not explicitly listed as an eligible technology.
Last Updated: August 2017
Additional Supportive PoliciesList All
Some additional supportive policies exist to encourage CHP in Hawaii. The state’s RPS, which sets a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045, encourages the use of biogas, including landfill and sewage-based digester gas, biomass, and other opportunity fuels that may be used to power CHP.
Last Updated: August 2017
Utilities
Score: 8.5 out of 15
Utilities Summary List All
Hawaii has increased their utility-sector energy efficiency program offerings in recent years. The Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), the largest investor-owned utility in the state, has offered energy efficiency programs since the mid-1990s. In July 2009, Hawaii consolidated the energy efficiency programs of most of its electric utilities into a single program operated by a third-party contractor, Leidos. Hawaii has two major electric utility companies—HECO and the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC). HECO’s customers support the energy efficiency programs through a public benefits charge and KIUC operates its customer energy efficiency programs independently. Hawaii uses very little natural gas, and does not have any natural gas energy efficiency programs.
Hawaii is collaborating with the United States Department of Energy to achieve the goal of supplying 70% of the state’s energy needs through renewable energy and energy efficiency programs by 2030. Hawaii’s public utilities commission has also adopted an energy efficiency portfolio standard (Docket No. 2010-0037) with a goal of achieving 4,300 GWh of energy savings by 2030.
Hawaii has decoupling in place and offers energy efficiency shareholder incentives for electric utilities.
The most recent budgets for energy efficiency programs and electricity and natural gas savings can be found in the State Spending and Savings Tables.
Last updated: August 2018
Customer Energy Efficiency Programs List All
Hawaii signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the federal Department of Energy in 2008. This MOU established the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, a long-term partnership between Hawaii and the DOE. This partnership will advance energy efficiency and renewable energy in Hawaii with the goal of supplying 70% of the state’s energy needs by 2030.
In 2009, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (HPUC) contracted with a third party, Leidos, to administer Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO)’s programs. The program is now called Hawaii Energy. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) operates its programs independently. Hawaii does not provide natural gas energy efficiency programs.
Ratepayers who are customers of HECO support Hawaii’s consolidated energy efficiency programs by paying a public benefits fee. Hawaii Public Utilities Commission Docket No. 2007-0323 outlines the structure of the public benefits fund. KIUC operates its programs independently. Costs are recovered by utility rates set by the Cooperative’s directors.
The most recent budgets for energy efficiency programs and electricity and natural gas savings can be found in the State Spending and Savings Tables.
Last Updated: August 2018
Energy Efficiency as a Resource List All
In 2008, Hawaii began incorporating scenario planning as part of its revised Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) framework. The revisions were a result of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI), a Memorandum of Understanding between the Governor of the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy. Signed in January 2008, the MOU has the goal of decreasing energy demand and accelerating use of renewable, indigenous energy resources in Hawaii in residential, building, industrial, utility, and transportation end-use sectors so that efficiency and renewable energy sources will meet 70% of Hawaii’s energy demand by 2030. Of the 70% target, 30% is to come from energy efficiency measures, and 40% is to be obtained from renewable sources. Specifically, the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard is 4,300 GWh reduction of electricity by 2030, with interim goals to be achieved in 2015, 2020, and 2025.
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) suspended the IRP dockets for Hawaii’s utilities but reopened the IRP for Hawaii Electric Company (HECO) in 2012 (Docket No. 2012-0036 Order No. 30233). Hawaii Electric Company (HECO) filed its most recent IRP with the public utility commission in June 2013, covering the planning period 2014-2033.
Utilities incorporate the energy efficiency targets of the state’s Public Benefits Fund within their IRPs.
Last Updated: August 2018
Energy Efficiency Resource Standards List All
Summary: Cumulative electricity savings of 4,300 GWh by 2030 (equal to approximately 30% of forecast electricity sales, or 1.4% annual savings).
Hawaii’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) was codified in HRS §269-91, et seq. and amended in 2006, 2008, and 2009. The RPS requires investor-owned utilities and rural electric cooperative utilities to use “renewable electrical energy” to meet 10% of net electricity sales by the end of 2010, 15% by 2015, 25% by 2020, and 40% by 2030. Savings from energy efficiency programs and combined heat and power systems (among other measures) may count towards meeting up to 50% of the standard through 2014. The Public Utilities Commission may assess penalties against a utility for failing to meet the RPS, unless the failure was beyond the reasonable control of the utility.
Beginning in 2015, electrical energy savings will no longer be able to count toward Hawaii’s RPS and will instead count towards Hawaii’s Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS), which was established in 2009 with the passage of HR 1464. Hawaii's EEPS sets a goal to reduce electricity consumption by 4,300 GWh by 2030 (equal to approximately 30% of forecast electricity sales, or 1.4% annual savings). Renewable displacement or offset technologies, including solar water heating and sea-water air-conditioning district cooling systems, count towards the EEPS after 2015.
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) must establish interim goals to be achieved by 2015, 2020, and 2025, and may adjust the 2030 standard to maximize cost-effective energy efficiency programs and technologies. The PUC has yet to establish rules for the stand-alone EEPS, including eligible technologies; responsibility for doing so falls on the EEPS Technical Working Group established in 2012. Current energy efficiency targets in Hawaii are set in HI PUC Order, Docket No. 2010-0037 and are subject to revision.
Hawaii has no energy efficiency resource standard in place for natural gas due to the fact that natural gas plays only a minimal role in the state's overall energy portfolio.
Last Updated: August 2018
Utility Business Model List All
In October 2008, an order was issued to investigate implementing a decoupling mechanism similar to the one used in California. In August 2010, the Hawaii PUC issued its final Decision and Order approving the implementation of the decoupling mechanism for the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO). Utilities are required to report on their performance of commitments made in the energy agreement in their rate cases as the basis for review, modification, continuation, or possible termination of the decoupling mechanism (See HI Docket 2008-0274 Order dated Aug.31, 2010).
In July 2009 Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) transferred administration of its energy efficiency programs to a third-party “Public Benefits Fee” administrator. The governor’s office claimed: “Moving energy efficiency programs to an independent third party will remove the perceived conflict between the electric utilities' desire to sell more electricity to increase profitability and the desire to implement energy efficiency programs that will decrease electricity sales.” The third-party contractor (Hawaii Energy) negotiated to run HECO's energy efficiency program is compensated by the Commission for satisfactory performance of its contract (See Hawaii Energy Executive Summary in Annual Report PY 2009).
The Gas Company (TGC) and Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) are subject to the Renewable Portfolio Standard but are excluded from DSM utility incentives. TGC does not currently operate any DSM programs and KIUC has not requested incentives. The most recent bill establishing an Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS) allows the PUC to establish incentives and penalties based on performance in achieving the EEPS.
Last Updated: August 2018
Evaluation, Measurement, & Verification List All
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Primary cost-effectiveness test(s) used: total resource cost test
The evaluation of ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programs in Hawaii relies on legislative mandates (HRS § 269-124(7)). Evaluations are administered by Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Hawaii has established formal rules and procedures for evaluation. Statewide evaluations are conducted.
According to the Database of State Efficiency Screening Practices (DSESP), Hawaii relies on the Total Resource Cost Test (TRC) as its primary cost-effectiveness test. Hawaii’s TRC accounts for avoided participant costs. The rules for benefit-cost tests are stated in HRS § 269-124(7). These benefit-cost tests are required for overall portfolio screening.
Further information on cost-effectiveness screening practices for Hawaii is available in the Database of State Efficiency Screening Practices (DSESP), a resource of the National Efficiency Screening Project (NESP).
Last Updated: May 2019
Guidelines for Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs List All
Requirements for State and Utility Support of Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs
No legislative mandate, but PUC has given guidance and required in the Triennial Plan approximately 21% of the funding is going to "affordability and accessibilty - Hard To Reach" categories, which include low-income populations. COVID-response planning also increases focus in this area for PY20.
Hawaii Energy's 2019-2021 Triennial Plan does however include performance indicators for Customer Equity (island equity), and Affordability & Accessibility categories; with particular focus on low-income and ALICE (Asset-limited Income Constrained Employed) populations.
Cost-Effectiveness Rules for Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs
No specific adjustments or exceptions to general cost-effectiveness rules are in place for low-income programs.
Coordination of Ratepayer-Funded Low-Income Programs with WAP Services
Level of coordination is unclear from publicly available data.
Last Updated: June 2020
Self Direct and Opt-Out Programs List All
Hawaii does not allow for large customers to self-direct the funds they would have paid for energy efficiency, nor to opt-out entirely from participating in energy efficiency programs.
Last updated: August 2018
Data AccessList All
Hawaii has no policy in place that requires utilities to release energy use data to customers or third parties.
Last Updated: August 2018
Transportation
Score: 5 out of 13
Transportation Summary List All
The state integrates transportation and land use planning and has passed complete streets legislation, but has not pursued other energy-efficient transportation policies.
Transportation System Efficiency List All
Transportation and Land use Integration: In 1961 Hawaii become the first state to implement growth management legislation in the United States when it adopted the State Land Use Law. The purpose of the law was to limit development of scattered subdivisions which in turn led to poorly planned public amenities and increased conversion of prime agricultural land for residential uses. Administration of the regulation is overseen by the state Land Use Commission, which determines district boundaries and also approves the implementation of new development projects. All state lands are classified as one of four districts for the purpose of regulation: urban, rural, agricultural, and conservation.
VMT Targets: No policy in place or proposed.
FAST Freight Plans and Goals: No freight plan or goals in place.
Last Reviewed: November 2022
Transit Funding List All
Section HRS 46-16.8 of the Hawaiian Statutes allows municipalities to add a county surcharge on state tax that is then funneled towards mass transit projects.
Last Reviewed: November 2022
Incentives for High-Efficiency Vehicles List All
No policy in place or proposed.
Last Reviewed: November 2022
Equitable Access to TransportationList All
Public transit access
Hawaii does not have any state programs in place to incentivize the creation of low-income housing near transit facilities, but it does consider the proximity of transit facilities when distributing federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to qualifying property owners.
HSEO’s 2015 Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative Transportation Energy Analysis identified mobility efficiencies as having the largest potential to reduce fossil fuel consumption. VMT, transit-oriented development, and multi-modal strategies are currently cost-effective means to reduce carbon emissions while improving traqnsportation affordability and communities' livability. Performance metrics are a foundational component for quantitatively evaluating progress and specifically, the advancement of transportation decarbonization strategies and policies. As the HSEO continues to expand its assessment of clean transportation in Hawai‘i, HSEO will be incorporating additional clean transportation metrics into its facts and figures. (link)
The State has established the Hawaiʻi Interagency Council for Transit-Oriented Development, tasked with developing and implementing a State strategic plan for TOD, including mixed-use and affordable and rental housing. The plan utilizes Smart Growth and TOD practices to design compact and accessible mixed-use developments that also preserve Hawaiʻi's valued agricultural lands, open space, and natural resources. TOD plans on Oʻahu are centered along the 20-mile corridor of the planned Honolulu Rail Transit Project, while neighbor islands require a different TOD approach focused on bus and other transit services serving lower density areas. The TOD strategic plan outlines the State's vision for investing in livable and equitable communities which are walkable, served by public and multimodal transportation options, and provide ready and affordable access to the necessities of daily life. (link)
Equity in transportation electrification
As the designated agency to administer the Volkswagen Settlement Environmental Trust on behalf of the state, HSEO developed a Beneficiary Mitigation Plan that focused on market ready zero emission technologies. To that end there is a specific emphasis on projects that facilitate the adoption and deployment of electric drive vehicles and charging infrastructure. This focus complements the commitments of the counties to convert their fleets to 100 percent renewable energy by 2045 and builds on the momentum created from the counties’ adoption of battery electric transit buses (link).
HRS Section 269.72 established an EV Charging Station Incentive Program, administered by public benefits provider Hawaiʻi Energy. This program helps to offset the costs of new installations or upgrades to existing systems for Level 2 charging stations with two or more ports or DC fast charging stations. Priority is given to EV charging stations which are publicly available; serve multiple tenants, employees, or customers; or serve EV fleets. This program helps to make EVs a viable choice for LMI and ALICE residents and those living in MUDs by lowering the cost barrier and supporting EV adoption statewide. More than 70 new charging systems have been installed or are in the pipeline, including Level 2 stations installed in at least two affordable housing developments (link) (link).
HRS Section 196-7.5 establishes that no person shall be prevented from installing an EV charging system on or near the parking stall of any multi-family residential dwelling or townhouse that the person owns. The ability to charge at home is a major deciding factor when purchasing an EV. This policy supports equitable EV charging system deployment by removing a major barrier for MUD residents, a population which significantly overlaps LMI and ALICE populations, allowing them to more reasonably adopt EVs along with home charging capacity (link).
Last Reviewed: November 2022
Appliance Standards
Score: 1.5 out of 3
Appliance Standards Summary List All
Hawaii adopted appliance standards for five products in 2019 and adopted a backstop to adopt federal standards in case they are repealed
Last Updated: July 2019
State Appliance Standards List All
Products adopted in 2019: computers and monitors, faucets, showerheads, high CRI fluorescent lamps, and spray sprinkler bodies
Important Links List All