HB 424 Summary

• Requires all state agencies to adopt a preference for renting electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles when renting vehicles for state employees conducting official government business.

• Establishes a rental preference hierarchy: electric vehicles first, then hybrid vehicles, provided the vehicle is available and suitable for the specific travel requirements.

• Permits agencies to rent conventional vehicles only when electric or hybrid vehicles are unsuitable or unavailable.

• Allows agencies to exercise the electric or hybrid vehicle preference even if rental costs are higher, provided rates are comparable to conventional vehicles of similar class and consistent with budgetary constraints and existing state contracts.

• Adds seven new definitions to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 196-2 including "electric vehicle," "hybrid vehicle," "conventional vehicle," "available," "suitable," "rental contractor," and "state employee."