Proposed law would tax gas cars worth $60K or more

HONOLULU — A proposed law would impose a new tax on gasoline-powered cars valued at $60,000 or more and use the funds to build electric vehicle infrastructure.

The proposed measure heard Tuesday by the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce would apply a 1% tax on such cars.

Four out of five committee members voted to pass the bill out of the committee.

Democratic state Rep. Sam Kong was the only committee member who voted no on moving the bill.

Committee Chair Rep. Aaron Ling Johanson had recommended a price threshold increase from $50,000 to $60,000, Hawaii Public Radio reported.

If passed, the tax would go into effect July 1 and sunset in 2030.