STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1335

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 560

H.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 560, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require and appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii community colleges to:

(1) Establish energy systems and technology training courses for county officers and employees responsible for permitting, inspecting, licensing, and approving construction projects;

(2) Establish an advisory committee of industry stakeholders for assistance with the training; and

(3) Submit a report to the Legislature.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawai‘i System; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; State Fire Council; Kaua‘i Fire Department; Maui Fire Department; Ulupono Initiative; Blue Planet Foundation; 350.org; 350Hawaii.org; Hawai‘i Energy; and six individuals.

Your Committee finds that the State's ambitious clean energy goals, along with advances in energy technology, have created incentives for the adoption of new energy systems technologies and equipment. The increase in the adoption of new energy systems technologies and equipment has placed additional burdens on some county officers and employees who are responsible for permitting, inspecting, licensing, and approving projects, including officers and employees at county public works departments, planning and permitting departments, and fire departments. This measure ensures that these county officers and employees are properly trained and remain informed about new technology in the energy sector.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 560, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

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DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair