STAND. COM. REP. NO. 368

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 552

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Energy and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 552 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENERGY-EFFICIENT VEHICLES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to establish a procurement policy for all agencies when purchasing or leasing motor vehicles to obtain energy-efficient vehicles.

     Under this measure, beginning January 1, 2010, all light-duty vehicles procured by or for any agency shall have an estimated fuel economy of at least eighteen miles per gallon under standards published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.  The measure also provides specific exceptions from these requirements for certain vehicular purchases.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one state department and one organization.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

Your Committee finds that it would be wise to reduce our reliance on gasoline as it will become more expensive and will diminish in supply over time.  This measure sets an example for the public to reduce fuel consumption as well as carbon dioxide and pollutant emissions from road vehicles.

     For example, hybrid cars are energy efficient, with small efficient gas engines that work in combination with an electric motor.  The two work together, the electric motor recharges while the car is in motion.  Efficiency is then maintained by aerodynamic styling, lightweight material, and intermittent engine shut off.

     Your Committee believes that energy efficiency is an urgent necessity, given the price of oil and its detrimental environmental effects, particularly in Hawaii with its abundance of natural resources and renewable energy sources.  This measure represents a small step for Hawaii to showcase itself as an energy independent state.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 552 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Transportation, International and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy and Environment,

____________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair