STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1256

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.C.R. No. 121

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Transportation and Energy, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 121 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HAWAII GREEN FUELS INITIATIVE TO COINCIDE WITH INCREASED LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the significant growth, development, intensification, and expansion of agriculture to incorporate dedicated food and biofuel feedstock growth to achieve the goals of food and fuel sustainability and security through a Hawaii Green Fuels Initiative.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii System; IMUAlliance; The Maritime Group, LLC; Clean Energy Solutions; and two individuals.  Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.

     Your Committees find that the development of renewable fuel sources within the State has the potential to:

     (1)  Enhance energy security and independence;

     (2)  Provide feedstock for local livestock;

     (3)  Contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas and vehicular emissions;

     (4)  Help to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels;

     (5)  Enhance productivity on currently underutilized and suitable agricultural lands;

     (6)  Create jobs and diversify the agricultural economy; and

     (7)  Create new and increase existing markets for locally produced agricultural products.

     Your Committees also find that the development of an integrated food and biofuel supply chain within Hawaii aligns with the State's goals of sustainability and increased local food production.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Transportation and Energy that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 121 and recommend that it be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Transportation and Energy,

________________________________ LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair