STAND. COM. REP. NO. 464-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: H.B. No. 2718

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 2718 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a Climate Change and Human Health Adaptation Coordinator within the Department of Health and appropriate funds for the position and other operating expenses.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Office of Planning, Board of Water Supply of the City and County of Honolulu, one member of the Hawaii County Council, and two individuals. Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission.

Your Committees find that while investments in infrastructure for climate change mitigation are sound, there has been insufficient activity focusing on adaptation, specifically for human health. Climate change makes many existing diseases and conditions worse and may also help introduce new pests and pathogens into new regions or communities. The most vulnerable people, such as children, the elderly, the poor, and those with underlying health conditions, are at increased risk for health effects from climate change, all of which will begin to further stress health care infrastructure, financial systems, and delivery systems.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the appropriation for a Climate Change and Human Health Adaptation Coordinator to an unspecified amount;

(2) Changing its effective date to July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Health that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2718, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2718, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Health,

____________________________ JOHN M. MIZUNO, Chair

____________________________ NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair