Bill Mandates Electric Charging Stations in Parking Lots

A bill to impose fines for owners of parking lots who fail to provide a minimum of one exclusive space equipped with an electric vehicle charging station is advancing in the Hawaii Senate.

Under its current wording, Senate Bill 2651 would apply to parking lots with 100 spaces or more, and would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2015.

The measure would establish fines of $1,000 for the first violation, which would increase to $5,000 for the second violation and then double for a third infraction. Any subsequent violations would bring a fine of $20,000.

Owners of parking lots would be allowed 120 days after any violation to comply without being cited for another violation. Police would be responsible for issuing citations.

The bill was approved unanimously by the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment on Jan. 30. It moves next to the Committee on Judiciary and Labor before coming up for a third and final reading in the Senate.

At the suggestion of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the committee amended the bill with the current wording regarding the fine structure and 120-day grace period.

A variety of electric vehicle organizations and nearly a dozen individuals testified in support of the bill.

The Maui County Office of Economic Development expressed concern about the bill’s original language, which included fines of up to $50,000, and its possible inclusion of parking lots at county beach parks.

The bill was introduced by Sens. Mike Gabbard and Donovan Dela Cruz.