H.B. 2090 Summary

• Establishes a low- to moderate-income zero-emission vehicle rebate program administered by the Public Utilities Commission to provide point-of-sale purchase rebates for zero-emission vehicles including light-duty EVs, motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, and neighborhood electric vehicles.

• Eligibility criteria include Hawaii residents with household income at or below the program administrator's threshold, or 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing services to low- to moderate-income households (limited to 5 rebates per entity per calendar year).

• Applicants must purchase or lease a qualifying vehicle for at least 24 months, register it in Hawaii, maintain registration for 24 consecutive months, and submit applications within 6 months of purchase or lease commencement.

• Allocates 5 cents per barrel of petroleum product tax (from the $1.05 environmental response tax) to a new zero-emission vehicle subaccount within the Public Utilities Commission special fund to pay for rebates.

• Allows the program administrator to set rebate amounts annually, establish maximum vehicle prices, offer financing mechanisms, and contract with third-party operators; requires rebate payments within 60 days of receiving completed applications.