Bill 120, a Hawaii County EV bill that will allow for enforcement of HRS 291-71 and 291-72. It will help increase the number of public EV charging stations across Hawaii Island. The bill is being heard again by the County Council on August 17, at 9 AM HST. Public testimony (oral and written) will be accepted. This is the penultimate hearing. There is another that will be held in early September.

You can help us get Bill 120 passed

Public support of this bill is important and will help encourage passage. You can help by providing testimony in support of the measure. This can be as simple as a brief email requesting the County Council to support this bill. Of course, you can also testify verbally. The options are listed below. 

Written Public Testimony

The deadline for submission of written public testimony is before 12:00 noon on Tuesday, August 16. Send an email to counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov. Indicate “Support for Bill 120” or “Please pass Bill 120”. A personal story that illustrates the importance of public charging will be helpful.

Remote via Zoom

To provide oral testimony via Zoom, please email councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961-8255 to complete the registration process and obtain meeting login information. Send your request before 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16. 

In-Person Testimony

In-person testimony is also accepted at Council Chambers – Suite 1401, County Building, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo. Participation is also available via videoconference at the following courtesy sites:

• Council Chambers – Building A, West Hawai‘i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway, Kailua-Kona
• Pahoa District 4 Council Office, 15-2879 Pāhoa Village Road, Pahoa
• Waimea District 9 Council Office, Parker Square, 65-1279 Kawaihae Road, Suite 109, Waimea

What is Bill 120?

Bill 120 will enforce the state law that calls for EV chargers to be installed on large parking structures, for the stations to be maintained, and for enforcement of rules related to parking in the designated stalls. When passed, it will increase the number of reliable charging stations around our island. This will allow for more equitable access to clean transportation.

Importantly, it will set a precedent for other counties. 

To view the latest draft of the bill, go here.