STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1487

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: S.B. No. 243

S.D. 2

H.D. 2

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 S.B. No. 243, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Hawaii State Energy Office to develop a strategic plan that identifies clear strategies to achieve a resilient, clean energy, decarbonized economy as quickly as practicable but no later than 2045 and submit the strategic plan to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2023; and

(2) Require the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute of the University of Hawaii to conduct a feasibility study of the Hawaii State Energy Office's strategic plan and submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Sessions of 2023, 2028, 2033, 2043, and 2048.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Energy Office, Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute, Hawaiian Electric, Americans for Democratic Action, Climate Protectors Hawai‘i, Imua Alliance, Environmental Caucus of The Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Hawaii Petroleum Marketers Association, Kauai Climate Action Coalition, Kauai Women's Caucus, and four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from Ulupono Initiative.

Your Committee finds that the State has committed to several energy and environmental goals in an attempt to prevent or mitigate the effects of climate change, including the adoption of renewable portfolio standards and the zero emissions clean economy target. Your Committee, however, finds that no strategic plan currently exists for attaining the State's goal of achieving a one hundred percent renewable portfolio standard and zero emissions clean economy target by 2045. This measure better positions the State to achieve its renewable energy goals and lowers its dependence on nonrenewable energy sources.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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 S.B. No. 243, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 243, S.D. 2, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair