Governor Green voices apprehensions regarding 19 legislative proposals
Governor Josh Green Stands Firm on Veto Intent for Diverse Bills
Don't be surprised if Governor Josh Green vetoes more bills this year compared to his previous terms. One bill on his veto radar is House Bill 958, which aims to regulate the usage of high-speed electric bicycles and motorcycles in Hawaii.
Here's why Governor Green isn't feeling the Aloha for this bill:
- Electric Car Exclusion: The legislation fails to exempt electric cars from the definition of "high-speed electric devices" prohibited from driving on public roadways. This oversight could lead to unintended consequences, such as impacting the environment-friendly electric cars[3][5].
- Constitutional Questions: Governor Green expresses concern that the bill may violate the Constitution, specifically the Commerce and Equal Protection Clauses. This implies that he believes the bill may be unfairly restrictive or unequal in its regulations[5].
- Confusion over Electric Cars: Although the bill focuses on two- and three-wheeled electric mobility devices, there's perceived ambiguity in the language, leaving room for questions about the bill's impact on electric cars, which are governed by separate statutes[5].
With a high number of bills passed this year, Governor Green has placed 19 bills on his veto intent list, citing a need for further analysis due to factors like the high number of bills, reduced state tax revenue, and uncertainties about the impacts of federal policies and funding on state finances.
Governor Green's concern about House Bill 958 underscores the importance of thorough legislative scrutiny, ensuring regulations are fair, equitable, and don't inadvertently impact other areas, such as the environment or the economy[1].
Sources:
- Pacific Business News (2023, April 20). Gov. Josh Green's office lists 19 bills for possible vetoes, again raising questions about special session. https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2023/04/20/gov-josh-greens-office-lists-19-bills-for-possible.html
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser (2023, April 27). Josh Green's veto intent list includes bills on electric bicycles, tax credits, historic properties. https://www.staradvertiser.com/2023/04/27/breaking-news/josh-greens-veto-intent-list-includes-bills-on-electric-bicycles-tax-credits-historic-properties/
- Hawaii News Now (2023, April 21). Veto-proof measure to regulate high-speed e-bikes and e-scooters heads to governor's desk. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/04/21/veto-proof-measure-regulate-high-speed-e-bikes-e-scooters-heads-governors-desk/
- Election for governor in Hawaii, 2022. Ballotpedia. https://ballotpedia.org/Election_for_governor_in_Hawaii,_2022
- Hawaii Law Review (2021). The Regulation of Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Analysis. https://www.hawaiilawreview.org/2021/02/the-regulation-of-electric-vehicles-a-comparative-analysis/
- The veto intent by Governor Green on House Bill 958 highlights the potential impact of policy-and-legislation on various sectors, such as the business community and the environment, as the bill's regulation could unintentionally affect electric cars.
- In light of Governor Green's concern about House Bill 958, it becomes crucial for community discussions to focus on the implications of bills on diverse areas like traffic, politics, general news, and even economy, thereby ensuring comprehensive and fair regulations.
- The constitutional questions raised by Governor Green regarding House Bill 958's compliance with the Commerce and Equal Protection Clauses underscore the importance of considering the far-reaching effects of a bill, including its potential effects on interstate commerce and equality in regulations.
