STAND. COM. REP. NO. 646-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: H.B. No. 2188

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 2188, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish a setback from the nearest farm or residential dwelling unit for certain wind energy facilities in the agricultural district; and

(2) Require the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine to conduct or contract for a study on the effects of noise produced by certain wind energy facilities in Hawaii on the health of residents and students.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from three individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaii State Energy Office, University of Hawaii System, Hawaiian Electric, and Apollo Energy.

Your Committee finds that wind energy facility siting or setback requirements vary across the nation, with various approaches to their establishment. Setback requirements are usually defined with respect to the height of the system. Of the states with substantial local autonomy, only two states have established statewide setback requirements. This measure is important to continuing the conversation about the appropriate distance for certain wind energy facilities from dwellings.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2188, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

____________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair