STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2897

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 509

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 509, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Chief Energy Officer of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

G.M. No. 509

SCOTT GLENN, for a term to expire at noon on 12‑05‑2022,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Scott Glenn for service as the Chief Energy Officer of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Scott Glenn from the Governor; Department of Budget and Finance; Department of Public Safety; Department of Human Resources Development; Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Transportation; Department of Health; Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency of the City and County of Honolulu; Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.; Hawaii Clean Power Alliance; Hawai‘i Gas; Hawaii PV Coalition; Ho‘ohana Solar 1 LLC; Young Progressives Demanding Action; Imanaka Asato, LLLC; Honua Ola; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Adon Renewables; Ulupono Initiative; Blue Planet Foundation; Elemental Excelerator; Hawaii Solar Energy Association; Peters Communications, LLC; Sierra Club of Hawai‘i; and twenty-two individuals.

Your Committee finds that Scott Glenn's experience as an environmental planner, commitment to public service, and proven leadership abilities qualify him for appointment as the Chief Energy Officer of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Mr. Glenn first began his career in environmental services at Cardno, a professional infrastructure and environmental services company, serving as a project manager, business developer, and technical expert. During his time at Cardno, Mr. Glenn led a team of planners, environmental scientists, geospatial data analysts, graphic designers, and technical specialists. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Glenn specializes in asset management, environmental planning and compliance, environmental review, and climate change adaptation planning. He has also served as the Chair of the Sierra Club of Hawaii Chapter and Chair of the State Environmental Council. Your Committee notes that Mr. Glenn has worked in the areas of urban planning and the environment for many years.

Your Committee also finds that Mr. Glenn most recently was the Director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control and held that position for four years. As the Director, he modernized the environmental review process and coordinated state policy development on climate change, energy, and sustainability initiatives. Mr. Glenn was designated by the Governor to be the Co-Chair of the Sustainable Hawaii Initiative and liaison to the United States Climate Alliance. He has worked extensively on climate change and energy policy with key government officials and the private sector to ensure the State reaches its renewable energy goals in a timely manner. Mr. Glenn is currently serving as the Acting Chief Energy Officer, where he oversees the development, management, and implementation of statewide programs for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation to help achieve a resilient, clean energy, decarbonized economy.

Your Committee believes that Mr. Glenn's experience in the private sector, success at the Office of Environmental Quality Control, and dedication to helping the State reach its renewable energy goals make him exceptionally qualified to serve as the Chief Energy Officer of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism,

____________________________

GLENN WAKAI, Chair