As gas tax revenues were reduced by electric vehicle adoption and greater fuel efficiency, Hawaii faced growing challenges funding transportation infrastructure. The Hawaii Department of Transportation partnered with CDM Smith to research, design, implement and launch the Hawaii Road Usage Charge (HiRUC) Program. The effort combined policy development, public engagement, technology integration and long-term planning to create a more sustainable, equitable funding model based on actual road use.
CDM Smith helped HDOT evaluate alternatives to declining fuel tax revenues and develop a mileage-based funding approach that aligns transportation costs more directly with roadway use, regardless of vehicle fuel type.
The team supported statewide implementation of the HiRUC Program by coordinating partner engagement, customer communications, training materials and public education efforts.
The team coordinated with county DMVs, vehicle inspection providers and technology partners to develop communications, customer support materials, training programs and public-facing resources that supported a smooth statewide rollout.
CDM Smith helped HDOT engage stakeholders and guide development of the Long-Term Transition Plan, establishing a roadmap to expand road usage charging from EVs to all light-duty vehicles by 2033.
CDM Smith helped the Hawaii Department of Transportation advance a long-term solution to declining fuel tax revenues through research, policy analysis, public outreach and one of the nation's largest road usage charge (RUC) demonstrations. The effort informed Act 222, which established the HiRUC Program and enabled EV drivers to begin choosing between a per-mile charge and a flat annual fee in 2025. Following legislation, CDM Smith supported program implementation, stakeholder engagement and development of the state's roadmap to expand RUC to all light-duty vehicles by 2033. “As we discovered, the solution was to go out there and talk to the public: hear their opinions, get their feedback, and really listen to what they have to say,” said Ging Ging Fernandez.
