STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4097

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 639

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 639, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority

G.M. No. 639

RICHARD WALLSGROVE, for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Richard Wallsgrove for service on the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Richard Wallsgrove from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority; Hawaii State Energy Office; and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Wallsgrove's experience, knowledge, and willingness to serve on the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority qualify him for reappointment to the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority as a public member, pursuant to section 196-63, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Your Committee notes that Mr. Wallsgrove received his Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law (WSRSL) in 2008 and has been teaching courses on energy law and policy as an Assistant Professor at WSRSL since 2018. Your Committee further notes that not only was Mr. Wallsgrove the Policy Director of Blue Planet Foundation from 2012 to 2017, but he also investigated the reallocation of green energy market securitization (GEMS) funds as a member of the permitted interaction group established by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority in 2019. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Wallsgrove was appointed to the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority in 2021 and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of a public member of the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Richard Wallsgrove be reappointed to the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority based on his experience, knowledge, and desire to serve the public.

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