Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 175, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request that the Secretary of Energy of the United States of America support a working partnership between Iceland and Hawaii in order to promote a real world example of the commitment of the United States to the principles of the International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy.

Testimony in support of the measure was received from Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, University of Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric Company, Puna Geothermal Venture, Hawaii Renewable Energy Alliance, and Ocean Engineering and Energy Systems.

Your committee also finds that a partnership between Iceland and Hawaii for the development and deployment of renewable hydrogen technologies is a logical next step in support of the international partnership for a hydrogen economy organized by the Secretary of Energy last fall. Demonstration projects such as the Shell hydrogen fueling station to fuel DaimerChrysler hydrogen powered public buses in Iceland and the Hawaii Hydrogen Power Park, Hawaii Fuel Cell Test Facility, Gateway Center, and Hoku Scientific are important steps in the development of a hydrogen economy. Inclusion in the International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy via the U.S. Department of Energy should help identify and secure funds to assist in the necessary research, development, demonstration, and deployment programs to advance a Hydrogen Economy in Hawaii.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 175, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.