Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Secures $59.2 Million from EPA for Clean Ports Initiative

HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) has been awarded a substantial grant of $59.2 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the Clean Ports Program. This funding is aimed at bolstering the state's ongoing efforts in climate adaptation and air quality management.

As part of this initiative, HDOT will utilize $2.5 million to conduct a comprehensive air emissions inventory baseline study. This study will focus on ocean-going vessels, harbor craft, and cargo handling equipment operating within the nine commercial ports across the state. The federally funded study will not only establish a baseline for emissions but will also provide actionable recommendations for emissions reduction targets and strategies to achieve them. This baseline will be crucial for HDOT to track progress in the coming years.

Additionally, HDOT has been granted $56.7 million to acquire hydrogen-fueled tractors for operations at the Sand Island Container Terminal. This grant will also facilitate the construction of a hydrogen fueling station at Honolulu Harbor. HDOT is eager to collaborate with maritime partners to advance this significant project.

"We express our gratitude to the Biden Administration, the EPA, and our congressional delegation for their support in these awards, which will significantly bolster the state's commitment to emission reductions and enhance our commercial harbor facilities to withstand the future impacts of climate change," stated Ed Sniffen, the Director of Transportation for Hawai‘i. "These initiatives, particularly the hydrogen vehicles, are essential catalysts for transformative changes in cargo operations at Honolulu Harbor."

The HDOT is among 55 applicants from 27 states that will collectively benefit from nearly $33 billion in Clean Ports Program grants, made possible by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.