STAND. COM. REP. NO.  550-08

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

RE:   H.B. No. 2862

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 2862, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WIND ENERGY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to improve the permitting process required for the timely development of renewable energy resources across the State.

More specifically, the measure sets forth a coordinated and streamlined permitting process for the development of a wind energy project that uses undersea cables to transmit electricity between Hawaii's islands.

     Testimony in support of the measure was received from UPC Hawaii Wind.  Testimony supporting the intent of the measure was received from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the Department of Health, the Hawaiian Electric Company and its subsidiaries, and Castle & Cooke Hawaii.  Life of the Land testified in opposition to the bill.

     Your Committee recognizes both the economic and environmental benefits of increased energy self-sufficiency and commends this measure as a step that facilitates the process of permitting wind energy and inter-island electrical transmission systems in Hawaii, which can be a complex undertaking.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2862, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

ROBERT N. HERKES, Chair