HI HCR179

Urges the State of Hawaii to strongly encourage development and deployment of zero emissions interisland transportation between islands for people and cargo.

Requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and Department of Transportation to accelerate efforts assisting with developing and deploying zero emissions interisland transportation.

Directs the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, Department of Transportation, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and other relevant departments to plan and identify infrastructure necessities including charging facilities, docks, and other infrastructure required for zero emissions interisland transportation.

Notes Hawaii has adopted laws and goals to achieve a carbon negative economy by 2045, with transportation accounting for the majority of emissions.

Identifies Hawaii's island archipelago as ideally suited for zero emissions sea and air transportation, with advancing electric aircraft and watercraft technology making this now possible and scalable.