STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2579

                                   Honolulu, Hawaii
                                                     , 2000

                                   RE:  S.B. No. 2769
                                        




Honorable Norman Mizuguchi
President of the Senate
Twentieth State Legislature
Regular Session of 2000
State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Labor and Environment, to which was
referred S.B. No. 2769 entitled: 

     "A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS
     EMISSIONS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to include the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions as an objective in planning for the
State's energy facility system.

     Testimony in favor of the measure was received from the
Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and the
Sierra Club.  Testimony in opposition to the measure was received
from the Hawaiian Electric Company, Maui Electric Company, and
the Hawaii Electric Light Company.  Comments were submitted by
the Environmental Center.

     Currently, the reduction of greenhouse emissions which cause
global climate change is neither part of the State's objectives
nor policies when planning for the State's energy facility
system.  While ensuring the energy system is developed or
expanded as needed utilizing the least-cost alternative, the
State must also minimize greenhouse gas emissions to protect the
environment.  Your Committee is in agreement that this measure
makes the State's objectives and policies more comprehensive.
     
     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your
Committee on Labor and Environment that is attached to this

 
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                                   STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2579
                                   Page 2


report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose
of S.B. No. 2769 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and
be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

                                   Respectfully submitted on
                                   behalf of the members of the
                                   Committee on Labor and
                                   Environment,



                                   ______________________________
                                   BOB NAKATA, Chair

 
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