Report Title:

Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority

Description:

Directs the auditor to conduct a financial and management audit of NELHA's deep seawater pumping system and establish a reasonable rate structure that includes consideration of NELHA's effect on the economy.  Freezes rates until the audit is complete.  (HB200 HD1)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	200
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to the natural energy laboratory of Hawaii authority.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  (a)  The auditor shall conduct a financial and management audit of the deep water pumping system operated by the natural energy laboratory of Hawaii authority, with the goal of evaluating the rate structure for pumped seawater and, if necessary, determining a reasonable rate structure for pumped seawater.  In determining a rate structure, the auditor shall include and consider the effect of the natural energy laboratory of Hawaii on the local and state economy.

     (b)  The auditor shall submit a report of any findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2008.

     SECTION 2.  The natural energy laboratory of Hawaii authority shall freeze the rate that it charges for pumped seawater at the level in effect on the effective date of this Act, until the auditor completes the audit under section 1 of this Act, and at that time, it shall implement the rate structure recommended by the auditor.

     SECTION 3.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun, before its effective date.

SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2034.