HI SB391

Establishes an End-of-Life Lithium-ion Battery Management Working Group within the Hawaii State Energy Office to examine maximizing management of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries in the state.

Working group shall examine best practices for battery management, cost and environmental comparisons of in-state versus out-of-state recycling, feasibility of international recycling options, and infrastructure/enforcement considerations for establishing a state recycling program.

Working group consists of the chief energy officer and Hawaii Natural Energy Institute director as co-chairpersons, plus representatives from the Department of Health, each county's waste management and fire departments, and invited members from industry, environmental, and consumer advocacy organizations.

Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2026 regular session convenes.

Working group is dissolved on June 30, 2026, and the act takes effect on January 1, 2026.