STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3569

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 108

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred S.R. No. 108 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE TO INCREASE THE STATE'S USAGE OF BIODIESEL AND TO FUND PROGRAMS THAT SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BIODIESEL INDUSTRY,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to encourage the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii State Energy Office to increase the State's usage of biodiesel and to fund programs that support the development of the biodiesel industry.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from Pacific Biodiesel Technologies, LLC and Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau.

Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii State Energy Office.

Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii State Energy Office, and one individual.

Your Committees find that biodiesel is a safe and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based fuels and that byproducts of its production can be used as livestock feed and in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Your Committees further find that the establishment of a single biodiesel refinery in the State would generate millions in revenue, hundreds of jobs, and additional opportunities for agricultural research. This measure supports the growth of local agriculture and energy sectors and thereby the economic diversity and resiliency of the State.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 108 and recommend its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism,

________________________________ LYNN DECOITE, Chair

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair