Ulupono Initiative’s Statement Regarding Hawaiian Electric’s pledge to transition to an all-electric passenger fleet

Aug 04, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HONOLULU — Ulupono Initiative expressed support for Hawaiian Electric’s commitment to transition every passenger car, SUV, light pickup and minivan in its fleet to a plug-in electric by 2035.

Greg Gaug, senior vice president of investments and analytics at Ulupono Initiative, said:

"Ulupono Initiative applauds Hawaiian Electric for this bold commitment to electrifying its fleet, which shows further confidence that the larger transition to electric vehicles is underway. Ground transportation represents a tremendous opportunity because Hawai‘i imports about a third more gallons of fossil fuels for ground transportation as for electricity production. Electrifying our modes of transportation is one of the most effective ways to have an immediate impact on reducing fossil fuel use, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and helping to alleviate Hawai‘i’s high cost of living.”

This action follows several promising steps toward electrification of local and state government fleets in recent years, including:

Last month, the State Energy Office announced that Hawai‘i joined a group of 15 states and the District of Columbia to announce a joint memorandum of understanding, pledging to expand the market for electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including large pickup trucks and vans, delivery trucks, box trucks, school and transit buses, and long-haul delivery trucks (big-rigs). The goal is to ensure that 100 percent of all new medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales be zero emission vehicles by 2050 with an interim target of 30 percent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2030. — https://energy.hawaii.gov/commitment-to-zero-emission-vehicles

In May 2020, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced that the City and County of Honolulu is set to receive $5,940,005 in new federal funding to acquire six zero-emission buses and necessary on-road charging facilities. These new buses will run 24 hours daily on Route 40 between Makaha and Downtown Honolulu, helping people get to work and visit local businesses. — https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/honolulu-set-to-receive-nearly-6-million-to-improve-public-transit-system-with-new-zero-emission-buses

In 2019, the replacement of diesel transit and school buses with electric vehicle alternatives and expanding EV charging infrastructure were identified as top priorities as the state moves ahead with plans to invest $8.125 million allocated to Hawai‘i as part of a national settlement with German automaker Volkswagen. — https://energy.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Spring-2019-e-newsletter.pdf

In 2017, Hawai‘i’s four mayors signed proclamations to transition all fleet vehicles to 100 percent renewable power by 2035. — http://www.hokulea.com/hawaiis-mayors-commit-100-renewable-transportation/

About Ulupono Initiative

A mission-driven venture of The Omidyar Group, Ulupono Initiative was founded in 2009 to improve the quality of life for the people of Hawai‘i by working toward sustainable solutions that support and promote locally produced food, renewable energy, clean transportation, and better management of water and waste. For more information about Ulupono Initiative, visit www.ulupono.com or connect with Ulupono on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.