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Agencies tell senators make‑ready work would cut EV retrofit costs as lawmakers question 25% requirement
Summary
At a March 17 joint Senate hearing, the Hawaii State Energy Office and DAGS told lawmakers that a 25% "make‑ready" target for new state building parking aims to reduce future EV retrofit costs; senators raised rural and funding concerns and the committee deferred the measure.
A joint Senate hearing on March 17, 2026, heard testimony from state agencies and advocates on House Bill 1980, a measure that would require electrical vehicle charging infrastructure “make‑ready” work in a portion of parking stalls at state facilities. Witnesses said the goal is to lower future retrofit costs, but senators questioned the bill’s 25% threshold, equity and funding.
Sima Suayko of the Department of Accounting and General Services’ Automotive Management Division told the committees, “We stand on our testimony and we're available for comments,” and described DAGS’ ongoing work to convert state fleets and prepare facilities. The Hawaii State Energy Office said agencies are already coordinating with DAGS and outside technical partners and are using Volkswagen settlement funds to install…
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