STAND. COM. REP. NO. 360

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.B. No. 1092

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1092, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CARBON OFFSETS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish procedures for the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Office of Planning, to assist and enable persons arriving or departing the State by air to voluntary purchase verifiable carbon offsets to compensate for carbon dioxide emissions from air travel.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Blue Planet Foundation and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from 350Hawaii.org. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Transportation and Office of Planning.

Your Committee finds that there are many contributors to climate change, and transportation-generated greenhouse gas emissions are a significant contributor. Establishing a carbon offsetting and reduction scheme will help the State achieve its zero-emission clean economy target, while appealing to air travelers who are aware of the climate change implications of their travel.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1092, 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 Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair