The Hawaii Road Usage Charge Demonstration project, or HiRUC, is a three-year research effort led by HDOT where drivers can experience what it would be like to pay for roads through a per-mile charge, without owing any real money.
Vehicle mileage will be calculated based on odometer readings collected during vehicle inspections. Vehicle owners will receive a Driving Report in the mail that shows how many miles they drove in the past year, how much gas tax they paid, and how much they would owe under a RUC instead. The mailings begin in late 2019. This is a limited-time demonstration, and no one will owe any real money.
Throughout the project, HDOT is seeking input from the public. This began with community meetings in the spring of 2019 and will continue throughout the project as motorists have ongoing opportunities to provide input. HDOT is also recruiting volunteers willing to test automated ways of collecting vehicle mileage. Throughout the demonstration, drivers are being asked their opinions and experiences. The results of the demonstration project, including feedback from drivers, will be shared with elected officials for consideration to address Hawaii’s roadway funding challenges.