What's Being Discussed

The Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling and Reuse Working Group, organized by the Hawaii State Energy Office and the Department of Health, will meet on August 7, 2026 from 10 AM to 12 PM. The meeting is open to the public in person in Pearl City or via Zoom.

• Shipping EV batteries out of state: A presentation from Pasha (a shipping company) on current efforts to transport electric vehicle batteries off the islands for disposal or recycling.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy: A subgroup will share its findings and recommendations. EPR policies require manufacturers to take responsibility for their products at the end of their useful life.
• Best practices for EV batteries: A second subgroup will present recommendations on how to safely handle, reuse, and recycle electric vehicle batteries in Hawaii.
• Two rounds of public comment are scheduled during the meeting.

Decisions Expected

No formal votes are listed on the agenda. However, the two subgroups — called Permitted Interaction Groups — are expected to formally present their findings and policy recommendations, which may shape future decisions on EV battery management in Hawaii.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Electric vehicle owners in Hawaii
• Auto dealers, manufacturers, and importers of electric vehicles
• Recycling and waste management businesses
• Environmental advocates concerned about battery disposal and hazardous waste
• Anyone interested in Hawaii's clean energy and waste policy

To submit written testimony, email kellyann.lee@doh.hawaii.gov in advance of the meeting. Accommodations for disabilities are also available through that contact.