SB 1534 Summary

• Establishes a mileage-based road user fee for electric vehicles beginning July 1, 2025, calculated based on miles traveled between vehicle inspections and offset by estimated state motor fuel taxes paid.

• Allows electric vehicle owners to elect a $70 annual registration surcharge in lieu of the mileage-based fee through June 30, 2028.

• Removes electric vehicles from the $50 annual registration surcharge for alternative fuel vehicles, which continues to apply only to non-electric alternative fuel vehicles.

• Repeals the State Highway Safety Council and establishes the Hawaii Highway Safety and Modernization Council with expanded membership to develop goals, metrics, and strategies to reduce vehicle miles traveled and transportation costs.

• Requires the Department of Transportation to submit a long-term mileage-based road usage charge implementation plan to the legislature by 2026 for expanding the program to all passenger vehicles and light duty trucks by December 31, 2033.