STAND. COM. REP. NO.  26-08

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

RE:   H.B. No. 2003

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 2003 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII ENERGY POLICY FORUM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of the bill is to appropriate funds for the Hawaii energy policy forum to continue its work in fiscal year 2008-2009.

     Your Committee notes that the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum has estimated that funding in the amount of $185,000 would enable the forum to begin implementation of action plans laid out in the Forum's ten point plan and to develop and test benchmarks. 

     Testimony in support of this bill was received from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the Division of Consumer Advocacy of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hawaii County Council, the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum, the Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and the Hawaii Renewable Energy Alliance.

     Your Committee supports the ten point plan outlined by the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum to help keep the State on the path to a sustainable, renewable, and affordable energy future.  The continuing efforts of the Forum are essential for achieving a strong and secure energy future.

     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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2003 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

HERMINA MORITA, Chair