STAND. COM. REP. NO.3055
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2002
H.D. 2
S.D. 1
Honorable Robert Bunda
President of the Senate
Twenty-First State Legislature
Regular Session of 2002
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Water, Land, Energy and Environment and Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 2836, H.D. 2, entitled:
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to implement recommendations of the energy efficiency policy task force, including establishment of a renewable energy technologies tax credit and an energy efficiency review commission.
Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, Energy Efficiency Policy Task Force, Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., The Gas Company, Hawaii Renewable Energy Alliance, Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Powerlight Solar Electric Systems, R&R Solar Supply, BIA-Hawaii, and Sierra Club Hawai`i Chapter. The Tax Department testified in opposition. The Public Utilities Commission and Tax Foundation of Hawaii submitted comments.
Your Committees find that the Energy Efficiency Policy Task Force was established by Act 163, Session Laws of Hawaii 1998, to explore and make recommendations to the legislature on the most cost-effective means of supporting increased energy efficiency and sustainability in Hawaii. This measure is the result of the work of the task force, and your Committees commend task force members for their dedication and commitment. In particular, your Committees cite the pragmatic approaches recommended by the task force to increase overall energy efficiency in what has been described as a "grass roots" manner that will provide substantial benefits to the residents of Hawaii as well.
Your Committees have amended this measure, incorporating further recommendations by the task force, to:
(1) Delete establishment of a policy review commission and require the energy resources coordinator to ensure continuing review and evaluation;
(2) Clarify that any federal energy tax credits and any utility rebates shall be deducted from the cost of the qualifying system and its installation before applying the state tax credit;
(3) Require the Department of Taxation to report to the legislature no later than nine months after the close of the previous taxable calendar year;
(4) Delete the repeal date; and
(5) Make technical amendments to correct statute references.
Your Committees also note that the task force may have additional amendments to the definitions of "renewable energy technology system" and "solar or wind energy system" and will pursue these changes with the Committee on Ways and Means.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Water, Land, Energy and Environment and Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2836, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2836, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Water, Land, Energy and Environment and Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing,
|
RON MENOR, Chair |
LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair |
|