STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3241

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2780

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2780 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO OFFSHORE DRILLING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to prohibit:

(1) Offshore drilling for oil or natural gas in state marine waters; and

(2) The issuance of permits for or in connection with the development or operation of any facility or infrastructure associated with offshore drilling for oil or natural gas in state waters.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Energy Office, Young Progressives Demanding Action, Climate Protectors Coalition, and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators.

Your Committee finds that the federal government, through the executive authority of the President, has proposed a program to vastly expand offshore drilling for oil or natural gas in the Pacific Ocean. Your Committee further finds that although Hawaii has no proven petroleum or natural gas reserves or production, the State does produce petroleum products and crude oil is refined within the State. This measure proactively eliminates the possibility of offshore drilling in state waters prior to any companies commencing to research the possibility of drilling and protects the State's precious ecosystem.

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 S.B. No. 2780 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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KARL RHOADS, Chair