Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1399 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to protect the natural beauty of our State by:

Life of the Land and several individuals testified in support of this measure. Na Leo Pohai supported the intent of this measure. The Public Utilities Commission and Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. testified in opposition. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Division of the Consumer Advocacy commented on this measure.

Your Committee finds that this measure will enable the community and utilities to come together to work out a plan that balances our need for reliable electricity and the protection of the natural beauty of our islands.

Your Committee would also like to note Na Leo Pohai's concerns that this measure does not specify the number of people to sit on the advisory committee nor does it provide any funds to develop a comprehensive statewide plan.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1399 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.