HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0774.037 2018-2020From: Noel Morin
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2020 7:14 AM 2__ .
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Comment/Testimony on $9.6M CARES Act Transportation Grant
Aloha Hawaii County Council,
I lead the Big Island Electric Vehicle Association and the newly, formed -Hawaii Electric Vehicle Association. We are advocating for
clean, sustainable transportation in Hawaii.
This is a belated inquiry about the June 4 Hawaii Tribune -Herald report regarding our county acquiring $9,600,000 for new buses.
Mention was made of the CARES Act grant intended for diesel buses and that some provision was prohibiting the purchase of
'alternative fuel' vehicles. I'm sure you've received ample feedback about how we must find ways to leverage the grant to further our
goal to decarbonize our transportation sector but I'd like to reiterate the plea.
I applaud our efforts to bring alternative fuel buses into consideration but .let's not have .it be a 'we tried' outcome. There is too much at
stake -'we have a deteriorating environment and must do more to reduce our emissions. The 100deq F temps in the Arctic is yet
another ominous sign of the climate emergency. We have a vicious cycle of destruction that must be addressed with urgency. In Hilo,
there is evidence of sea -level rise acceleration, along with many other local impacts that you already know about.
Yes - there are more urgent matters to tend to at the moment. Mitigating the negative socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 is the top
task for all of us. However, please ensure that the solutions we apply take into account the unintended consequences of such solutions.
Let's avoid a `whack -a -mole' situation where attempts to solve problems create others or make others worse.
Adding more diesel buses to our fleet is an unnecessary `whack -a -mole'. It furthers our dependence on fossil fuel, increases local air
pollution, exacerbates carbon emissions, and runs counter to the Hawaii Mayors' commitment to clean up the fleet. Importantly, it does
not make financial sense in the long run. Battery electric buses and fuel cell electric buses might cost more upfront, but the total cost of
ownership in the long run greatly surpasses that of diesel counterparts. Importantly, a shift, to alternative fuel transport is inevitable. Why
not rip the .bandaid off and allow our community to begin adapting? There is an infrastructure to build and support, workforce
development opportunities, new jobs and careers to be seen.
We have the opportunity to do the right thing for our community, our keiki and future generations, and our environment. While we might
not be able to immediately slow the impact of our changing climate, we can take steps to avoid making it worse.
What is this provision prohibiting us from purchasing alternative fuel vehicles? What can we do to challenge it? Whom do we need to
meet with to clarify?
Your passing of Res 322 is a proud moment for Hawaii. Please back it up with action.
Sincerely,
Noel Morin
President
Big Island EV Association
Hawaii EV Association
Comm. No.
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2 6 2020