But Proposal Calling For No-Ethanol Fuel On Hold

The Experimental Aircraft Association reports a proposed law in Hawaii that would require state refiners to make ethanol-free autofuel readily available for aviation, marine, and other markets was essentially put on hold last week.

That's not necessarily bad news for pilots, however. Instead, both state houses passed an amendment to HB 791 requiring oil distributors to verify their distribution and availability of ethanol-free gasoline and report their findings back to the state Department Of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

That information will then be sent to the legislature before the 2008 session, so lawmakers can determine if the demand for non-blended gasoline requires the proposed legislation to exempt premium autofuel from state ethanol mandates.

"They're assessing the assessment," said EAA Chapter 1182 President Terri Thomas, who has been working to provide access, ethanol-free autofuel for aircraft owners who require it. "They're basically trying to determine if there is enough of a market to create a law."

HB-791 is not dead, Thomas added... but lawmakers want to look at what's out there now and determine if there's a way outside of legislation that refiners can locate ethanol-free fuel pumps at strategic locations to satisfy the demand.

EAA's goal, shared by marine operators, is to have safe fuel readily available for those who need it.

The amendment has been sent to governor Linda Lingle for her signature.

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.capitol.hawaii.gov/