HI SB996

Requires rental motor vehicle lessors operating more than 200 light duty passenger vehicles statewide to incorporate zero-emission vehicles (battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or hydrogen fuel cell) into their fleets according to specific schedules: 10% by July 1, 2025; 25% by July 1, 2030; 50% by July 1, 2035; 75% by July 1, 2040; and 100% by July 1, 2050.

Mandates annual reporting by December 1 starting in 2021, requiring each rental motor vehicle lessor to provide the director with details on each vehicle in their fleet including make, model, license plate number, and fuel type.

Imposes fines of $1,000 per month for each vehicle below the required zero-emission vehicle percentage to incentivize compliance.

Establishes the Hawaii Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Special Fund administered by the Department of Transportation, funded by penalties collected from non-compliant lessors.

Creates the Hawaii Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Grant Program to fund planning, engineering, construction, and equipment installation for zero-emission vehicle refueling infrastructure, with priority given to projects supporting rental vehicle fleet integration; grants require a 20% match from recipients.