Representative Kila, Chair of the House Transportation Committee, Urges Public Review and Comment on HDOT’s Proposed Energy Security and Waste Reduction Plan

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi - State Representative Darius K. Kila, Chair of the House Committee on Transportation, is encouraging members of the public to carefully review the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation’s (HDOT) draft Energy Security and Waste Reduction Plan and to submit public comment prior to the deadline on Thursday, July 31, 2025.  

The proposed plan outlines a statewide strategy to decarbonize Hawaiʻi’s transportation systems by 2045. It includes policy and infrastructure changes across aviation, marine, and ground transportation—ranging from vehicle electrification and clean fuel transitions to efforts aimed at reducing vehicle miles traveled. These proposals could significantly impact cost of living, access to transportation, and infrastructure investments across the state.  

“As Chair of the House Transportation Committee, I take seriously our kuleana to evaluate transportation policy not only for its long-term vision, but for its impact on everyday people,” said Representative Kila (D-44, Honokai Hale, Nānākuli, Mā‘ili). “The decisions made in this plan will shape how we move, how we pay, and how we live for decades to come. Whether you support it, oppose it, or have suggestions to improve it, your feedback is essential.”  

Representative Kila emphasized the importance of balanced policy grounded in equity and economic reality.  

“We must ensure that sustainability does not come at the expense of affordability or access—particularly for rural communities, working families, and Native Hawaiians. The public has a right and a responsibility to be part of this process.”  

Public Information Sessions  

HDOT will be hosting three virtual public information sessions to present the draft plan, provide updates, and receive questions from the community:  

·                     Tuesday, July 15, 2025 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. HST  

Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HlccWS0rQZGNYJZ_5AHq4w 

·                     Sunday, July 27, 2025 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. HST Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/a-Pqch7_TDWz6W6NxMwipg  

·                     Monday, July 28, 2025 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. HST Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pT4Vkv3KRzyhkpR905vF7Q  

Submitting Public Comments  

Members of the public may submit comments via email to:  

·                     Email: HDOTClimateCulture@hawaii.gov  

·                     Subject line: Energy Security & Waste Reduction Plan Feedback  

·                     Comment deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025, and 

Accessing the Draft Plan  

The full draft Energy Security and Waste Reduction Plan is available online here.  

Review the Legislature's June 25, 2025 Info Briefing 

The Legislature held a joint informational briefing, which included an update on the development of plans and implementation of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels in the State's transportation system. Presentations were delivered by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation and Earthjustice.  

·                     Watch the meeting video here: EEP/TRN/AEN/TCA Joint Info Briefing - Wed Jun 25, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST - YouTube 

Representative Kila reiterated that robust community participation is essential to ensuring that the final version of the plan reflects the needs and values of Hawaiʻi’s residents. 

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