STAND. COM. REP. NO.  917

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 1005

      H.D. 2

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1005, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to enhance the ability of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to carry out its duties and responsibilities by:

     (1)  Requiring the PUC to restructure its operations pursuant to the PUC's December 2006, report to the Legislature, to improve its effectiveness and efficiency;

     (2)  Appropriating funds to meet the costs incurred as a result of the restructuring process; and

     (3)  Authorizing the PUC to consider the need for increased renewable energy use in exercising its authority and duties.

     The PUC, Consumer Advocate of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Energy Policy Forum, Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., Hawaii Electric Company Light, Inc., Maui Electric Light Company, Ltd., The Gas Company, Young Brothers, and a concerned individual supported this bill.

     Your Committee has amended this bill by:

(1)  Deleting specific appropriation amounts;

(2)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 2020, to facilitate further discussion; and

(3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive changes for clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1005, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1005, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

MARCUS R. OSHIRO, Chair