STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1046

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 350

H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 350, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENERGY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to expand the types of water heater systems required for the issuance of a building permit for new single-family dwellings to include ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office; Hawaiʻi Association of REALTORS; Hawaiʻi Energy; Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition; and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from Inter-Island Solar Supply and Hawaii Solar Energy Association.

Your Committee finds that the reduction of energy consumption is an important component of the State's energy policy. Solar water heaters can save residents up to forty percent on their overall electric bills, which is why the State, in 2010, mandated that newly constructed single-family homes be equipped with solar water heaters. However, some homes may have limited sunlight exposure, which makes solar water heating less effective.

Your Committee further finds that ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters are also viable, energy saving options. Those water heaters are two to three times more efficient than conventional water heaters and are able to participate in demand-response and time-of-use programs. This measure therefore adds ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters as an option for newly constructed single-family homes.

Your Committee amended this measure by replacing the definition of "heat pump water heater" with "heat pump" and further amending that defined term.

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. 350, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 350, H.D. 2.

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

____________________________

SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair