Committee backs DOT plan for electric vehicle chargers at county sites, forwards resolution to council

The Hawaii County Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs voted unanimously May 6 to forward Resolution 142‑25, authorizing the mayor to enter an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at county properties.

Kelsey Kalua Lewis, business manager with the Department of Public Works, told the committee the state proposed installing three ‘‘heavy chargers’’ at county facilities and would handle design, installation and maintenance. She identified proposed locations as the Oulu Complex, the West Hawaii Civic Center and the Waimea Civic Center and said the state already owns the Waimea site.

‘‘This will be fully installed, fully designed, fully maintained by the state,’’ Kalua Lewis said, adding that if the state later removes the equipment it will return sites to their prior condition. The draft agreement sets the initial term at 60 months with an option to renew, and Kalua Lewis said the state would cover costs for maintenance and repairs so there would be no cost to the county for infrastructure upkeep.

Council members asked clarifying questions about whether a single charger would serve two vehicles and were told the presenter would confirm specific charging configurations for the council. With no further discussion, the committee voted and the clerk recorded nine members in favor; the motion carried and the committee forwarded the resolution with a favorable recommendation to the full council.

The resolution authorizes a mayoral agreement with the State Department of Transportation; final installation and operation details will be specified in the intergovernmental agreement and any subsequent site plans.