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Committee keeps transportation rebate program, DOT says 500 rebates provided since 2023
Summary
S.B.1117 passed as is; Department of Transportation testimony said the state's electric mobility rebate program began Feb. 2023, has provided about 500 rebates at a cost of roughly $166,000, and the bill would broaden eligibility and increase rebate amounts for low-income applicants.
The joint committee advanced S.B.1117 (S.D.2, H.D.1) on transportation incentives after Department of Transportation testimony that the existing rebate program — intended to increase access to electric mobility devices for people without cars — has been active since February 2023 and issued roughly 500 rebates at a cost of about $166,000.
Why it matters: the measure would expand and increase rebate amounts and broaden eligibility to reach more residents who rely on micromobility devices instead of cars. Legislators asked whether the rebate is necessary and whether removing it would reduce uptake; DOT officials said the rebate is targeted to low-income households and people without a four-wheel vehicle and that it aims to improve mobility options for people who do not own cars.
DOT testimony and details: a DOT official told the committee the program began in February 2023 and that the department has provided “about 500 rebates at a cost of about $166,000.” The department described prior eligibility rules: applicants had to be age 18 or older, self-certify they did not own a four-wheel vehicle, and belong to a qualifying low-income program such as SNAP. Under the draft measure, the rebate amount would be increased (the bill text under consideration raised the base amount and provided an additional $750 for qualifying low-income applicants); the committee discussed whether the rebate should be removed, with members split on whether market demand alone would sustain purchases without incentives.
Support: Michael Municata of Ulupono Initiative testified in support, and the Hawaii Bicycling League submitted written testimony. The committee moved to pass the bill unamended and recorded the vote in committee.
Implementation note: DOT said the program is intended to provide access for people who do not own cars and that the rebate was designed to help cover the upfront cost for devices such as electric bicycles and similar mobility devices; the department also described a prior narrow definition that is now proposed to be broadened in the bill.
