STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1260

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: S.B. No. 459

S.D. 2

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 459, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HYDROGEN FUELING SYSTEM SUBACCOUNT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds from the Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount within the Public Utilities Commission Special Fund for the Zero-Emission Vehicle Fueling System Rebate Program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Public Utilities Commission, Servco Pacific Inc., and Alliance for Automotive Innovation. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that as the State strives to reach its renewable energy goals, it is critical to fully evaluate the potential for hydrogen to contribute to Hawaii's energy needs. Global research and development show significant progress in understanding and establishing hydrogen as a clean and reliable fuel source. This measure supports additional clean energy infrastructure and clean mobility solutions for Hawaii's residents and visitors.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to June 30, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 459, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 459, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair