SB 2691 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION AFFORDABILITY.

Summary

Requires the Department of Transportation to establish a Clean Vehicle Rebate Program to provide rebates for the purchase or lease of certain new and used zero-emission vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Establishes the Clean Vehicle Special Fund. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/2027. (SD1)

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 23, 2026 Last action Feb 12, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB2691 → SB2691_SD1 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill was revised to shift from a new tax-based funding model to a direct appropriation from the state's general fund. The changes also adjust eligibility thresholds, increase rebate amounts for low-income households, and update the effective date to January 1, 2027.

Scope change

The funding mechanism changed from a new 'transportation affordability and energy security tax' on fossil fuel vehicles to a direct appropriation of unspecified funds from the state's general revenues.

FISCAL

Removed the establishment of a new tax on gasoline and diesel vehicles; replaced with a direct appropriation from the general fund to the Clean Vehicle Special Fund.

ELIGIBILITY

Removed the income-based eligibility limit (200% of area median income) for rebate applicants.

Added a requirement that used vehicle rebates cannot be claimed if the buyer received a new vehicle rebate within the past 24 months.

REQUIREMENT

Increased the additional rebate for low- and moderate-income households from $1,000 to $3,000.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date of the Act from July 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027.

TECHNICAL

Updated formatting and section numbering throughout the bill to align with the Senate version (SD1).

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 12, 2026

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.

upper

Feb 12, 2026

Committee

Reported from TRS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2230) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.

upper

Feb 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on TRS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in TRS were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Inouye, Elefante, Kanuha, Lee, C., DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.

upper

Feb 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on TRS has scheduled a public hearing on 02-05-26 3:01PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 28, 2026

Committee

Referred to TRS, WAM.

upper

Jan 23, 2026

Introduced

Introduced.

upper

5 primary · 2 co-sponsors