Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, Energy and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 2214 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a three-year moratorium on the construction or installation of any one hundred thirty-eight kilovolt or greater high-voltage electric transmission lines or systems.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting and Na Leo Pohai. The Public Utilities Commission, Consumer Advocate, and Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., testified in opposition.

Your Committee finds that the construction and installation of high voltage electric transmission lines has generated considerable controversy in recent years. Communities are increasingly reluctant to accept these lines, particularly overhead lines in scenic areas, yet the need for a consistent power source continues to grow.

Your Committee understands that time is often helpful when dealing with the many ramifications of important issues. However, a complete moratorium may have detrimental effects on essential restoration or emergency requirements during the three-year period.

Your Committee believes the issues merit further discussion and is reporting the measure out to continue this dialogue.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Energy and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2214 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing.