STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1422

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 56

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 56 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AN ECONOMIC TRANSITION THAT COMBATS CLIMATE CHANGE AND INCORPORATES CIRCULAR ECONOMY GOALS ROOTED IN ALOHA AINA PRINCIPLES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to support an economic transition that combats climate change and incorporates circular economy goals rooted in Aloha ‘Āina principles. Specifically, this measure:

(1) Requests that all state agencies, in pursuance of the circular economy principles, convene and participate in the Hawaii Circular Economy Task Force that supports Hawaii's transition toward a circular economy by 2035; and

(2) Requests that recommendations made by the Hawaii Circular Economy Task Force achieve the following objectives:

(A) Consideration of circular economy values in decision-making;

(B) Incorporation of circular economy principles in future policy and regulatory actions;

(C) Restoration of ‘āina and communities in a manner that elevates local self-sufficiency;

(D) Supporting efficient processing and reduction of waste streams across economic sectors to produce regenerative impacts on Hawaii's ‘āina and resources; and

(E) Consideration of utilizing the ‘Āina Aloha Economic Futures Assessment Tools for decision-making and allocations of resources unless inappropriate.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Planning, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Waimea Hawaiian Civic Club, Kaua‘i Climate Action Coalition, Kanaeokana Kula Hawai‘i Network, Climate Protectors Hawai‘i, and forty individuals.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii is a leader in climate change and renewable energy generation goals and has the potential to model an economy rooted in centuries of island-based values, such as sustainable practices, environmental health, and community well-being. With the adoption of circular energy goals, Hawaii is poised to become a global leader in the transition toward a circular economy grounded in indigenous values. Your Committee intends that this measure complement the efforts of the newly-established Statewide Sustainability Program.

Therefore, your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Adding the State Sustainability Coordinator to the list of individuals to receive a certified copy of the measure; and

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

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 56, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 56, S.D. 1.

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

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GLENN WAKAI, Chair