SR74

WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that the global demand for petroleum and its derivatives has caused severe economic hardships throughout the State and threatens to impair the public health, safety, and welfare; and

WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii, with its dependence on imported fossil fuel, is particularly vulnerable to dislocations in the global energy market; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for strategic comprehensive planning in the effort towards achieving full utilization of Hawaii's energy resource programs and the most effective allocation of energy resources throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, planning is necessary in order that the State may recognize and address the major problems and opportunities in the field of energy resources and will identify present conditions and major problems relating to energy resources; and

WHEREAS, there are many agencies of the federal, state, and county governments in Hawaii, as well as many private agencies, engaged in, or expressing an interest in various aspects of the exploration, research, distribution, conservation, and production of all forms of energy resources in Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, there is an immediate need to coordinate the efforts of all these agencies to establish and coordinate programs so that there will be maximum conservation and utilization of energy resources in the State; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, that proposed legislation be prepared by the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an Office of Energy within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proposed legislation include provisions that the Office of Energy be established to assist the Governor and the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism in maintaining an overall framework to guide the development of the State through a continuous process of comprehensive, long-range, and strategic planning to meet the needs of Hawaii's people, and provide for the wise use of Hawaii's resources in a coordinated, efficient, and economical manner; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proposed legislation include provisions that the head of the Energy Office possess the following experience:

(1) Training in the field of energy resources, public administration, or other related fields;

(2) Experience in programs or services related to energy resources and resource coordination; and

(3) Experience in a supervisory, consultative, or administrative capacity; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proposed legislation include the following language requiring that the head of the Office of Energy:

(1) Be nominated by the Governor and, with the advice and consent of the Senate, appointed by the Governor;

(2) Be compensated at a salary level set by the Governor;

(3) Hold office for a term to expire at the end of the term for which the Governor who appointed the Office of Energy head was elected;

(4) Be included in any benefit program generally applicable to the officers and employees of the State;

(5) Retain staff as may be necessary and in conformity with chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

(6) Report to the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and not to any other principal executive department; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proposed legislation require the Office of Energy to:

(1) Formulate plans and financial requirements for the optimum development of Hawaii's energy resources;

(2) Develop a strategic comprehensive plan in the effort to achieve full utilization of Hawaii's energy resource programs;

(3) Conduct, collect, and disseminate research and statistics on the energy trends and developments;

(4) Develop benchmarks for energy resource development and policy-making;

(5) Conduct systematic analysis of existing and proposed energy resource programs;

(6) Formulate and recommend specific proposals for conserving energy and fuel;

(7) Assist public and private agencies in implementing energy conservation;

(8) Coordinate the State's energy conservation and allocation programs with that of other state governments and governments of other nations;

(9) Develop programs to encourage private and public exploration and research of alternative energy resources;

(10) Conduct public education programs to inform the public of an energy situation;

(11) Serve as consultant to the Governor, public agencies, and private industry on energy conservation;

(12) Contract for services when required;

(13) Review proposed State actions that the Director finds to have significant effect on energy consumption and report to the Governor; and

(14) Prepare and submit an annual report to the Governor and to the Legislature on all matters related to energy resources; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proposed legislation include provisions that the Office of Energy seek the widest possible cooperation from public and private agencies, individuals, and the federal government and the executive heads of all state departments and agencies shall cooperate with the Office of Energy by providing information as the Governor and the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism deem necessary; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proposed legislation include provisions that any of the agencies of the State to which general or specific appropriations are made, or a part of whose budget contains an allocation, or that makes an allocation of funds for energy resource planning and research, shall consult with the Office of Energy to ensure that all expenditures are in accordance with or in furtherance of the goals and objectives of the Office of Energy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism submit the proposed legislation to the Legislature not later than twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2008; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Establishment of the Office of Energy

THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	74
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII