Hawaii is reshaping how it funds transportation, shifting from declining fuel taxes to a fairer, more sustainable per‑mile road usage charge (RUC). After years of research and collaboration across policy, legislative, and community partners, the HiRUC Program successfully launched in July 2025 for electric vehicle drivers. The first year offered valuable lessons, highlighting strong public participation and the practical challenges of implementing a new statewide system. Momentum grew in December 2025 with Hawaiʻi’s Long-Term Transition Plan, which outlines the shift of all light-duty vehicles from fuel taxes to a per-mile RUC by 2033. Guided by a diverse advisory group, the plan emphasizes financial sustainability, operational feasibility, and public acceptance. With the mandatory per-mile RUC for EVs beginning in 2028 and a full transition by 2033, the HiRUC Program is becoming a cornerstone of Hawaii’s transportation future — reimagining how the state funds transportation planning, project delivery, and long-term infrastructure investment.

Speaker:
Mindy Kimura, HDOT, Program Manager