STAND. COM. REP. NO.  2049

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.R. No. 156

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.R. No. 156 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM TO SUPPORT THE ONGOING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF WAVE ENERGY DEVICES IN HAWAII AND THE CREATION OF A WAVE ENERGY FACILITY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this resolution is to facilitate the development of wave energy in Hawaii by urging the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to support the ongoing research and development of wave energy devices in Hawaii and the creation of a wave energy facility.

     DBEDT supported the intent of this resolution.  The Division of Consumer Advocacy of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs commented on this measure.

     Hawaii must reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuel.  Your Committee finds that wave energy holds the potential to satisfy all the energy needs of this state and, until that time, it can be a significant component in Hawaii's energy portfolio to obtain fossil fuel-independence in an environmentally safe manner.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 156 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

HERMINA MORITA, Chair