Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Energy and Environment and Economic Development, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 205 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to support the research and development of hydrogen fuel cell energy as an alternative energy source for next-generation automobiles.

An individual submitted testimony supporting this measure. Comments on this measure were submitted by DBEDT.

Your Committees find that, aside from soliciting automobile manufacturers to look to Hawaii as an ideal test site for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the State might also attract companies dealing with novel methods of hydrogen production. There are dozens of companies pursuing hydrogen production methods. Such techniques include everything from combining sea water with powered aluminum and a proprietary mixture; to hydrogen-producing algae; to combustion systems that burn almost any material, including sewage sludge and municipal waste, for hydrogen production. Additionally, Hawaii is blessed with an array of renewable energy possibilities for use in hydrogen production.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy and Environment and Economic Development that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 205 and recommend its adoption.