RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERIES.

HB788

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

788

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to electric vehicle batteries
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

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SECTION
1.
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The legislature finds that electric
vehicle sales in the State continues to grow, accounting for approximately
fifteen per cent of all new car sales in 2024.
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As electric vehicle usage increases, more electric vehicle batteries
will enter the waste stream.
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Proper
recycling and disposal practices are needed to ensure that electric vehicle
batteries do not contribute to environmental harm.

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The
purpose of this Act is to establish a working group to examine how to maximize
the recycling and reuse of electric vehicle batteries and recommend electric
vehicle battery management practices.

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SECTION
2.
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(a)
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There is established within the Hawaii state energy office an electric
vehicle battery recycling and reuse working group to examine how to maximize
the recycling and reuse of electric vehicle batteries and recommend electric
vehicle battery management practices.

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(b)
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The working group shall:

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(1)
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Develop a plan for best management practices
for the recycling, reuse, or repurposing of electric vehicle batteries;

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(2)
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Coordinate with any other organization,
working group, or relevant entity within or outside of the State that has
similar objectives as this working group, or is researching the recycling,
reuse, or repurposing of electric vehicle batteries; and

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(3)
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Develop policy recommendations for the
legislature to implement based on the working group's findings.

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(c)
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The working group shall consist of:

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(1)
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The chief energy officer, or the chief energy
officer's designee, who shall serve as the co-chair of the working group;

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(2)
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The director of health, or the director's
designee, who shall serve as the co-chair of the working group; and

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(3)
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One representative from the department of
environmental services of the city and county of Honolulu.

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(d)
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The co-chairs of the working group shall
invite the following individuals to serve as members of the working group:

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(1)
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Two representatives from the electric vehicle
manufacturing industry;

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(2)
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One representative from the automotive repair
industry;

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(3)
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One representative from the energy storage
industry;

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(4)
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One representative from the electronic waste
recycling industry;

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(5)
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One representative from an electric utility;

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(6)
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One representative from an organization that
specializes in extended producer responsibility policy;

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(7)
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One representative from an environmental
organization that specializes in waste reduction and recycling;

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(8)
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One representative from the automotive
recycling industry; and

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(9)
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Others as invited by the co-chairs.

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(e)
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The working group shall submit a report of
its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the
legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular
session of
2026
.
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The report shall include an analysis of:

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(1)
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Opportunities for and barriers to the reuse of
electric vehicle batteries as a first option, as potential energy storage
systems as a second option, and for recycling as a third option, taking into
account the additional costs of transporting electric vehicle batteries to be
recycled out of State;

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(2)
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Best practices for the management of electric
vehicle batteries at end-of-life;

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(3)
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The cost, safety, and environmental impacts of
in-state versus out-of-state recycling options;

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(4)
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The feasibility of pursuing any recycling
options outside of the United States;

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(5)
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The feasibility in terms of costs, available
infrastructure, and enforcement of an electric vehicle battery recycling
program; and

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(6)
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The overall effect of different management
practices on the environment.

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(f)
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The working group shall be dissolved on June
30, 2026.

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SECTION 3.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

HSEO;
Electric Vehicles; Batteries; Reuse; Recycling; Working Group; Report

Description:

Establishes
a working group within the Hawaii State Energy Office to make recommendations
for the reuse and recycling of electric vehicle batteries and requires a report
to the Legislature.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.