HI HB788

Establishes an electric vehicle battery recycling and reuse working group within the Hawaii State Energy Office to develop best management practices for end-of-life electric vehicle batteries

Working group will be co-chaired by the chief energy officer and director of health, with members including representatives from EV manufacturers, automotive repair, energy storage, e-waste recycling, electric utilities, and environmental organizations

Requires analysis of battery reuse options prioritized as: direct reuse first, conversion to energy storage systems second, and recycling third, considering costs of out-of-state transport

Report due to the legislature 20 days before the 2026 regular session with findings, recommendations, proposed legislation, and assessment of in-state versus out-of-state and international recycling feasibility

Working group dissolves on June 30, 2026