STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1764

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 527

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 527, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority

G.M. No. 527

RICHARD WALLSGROVE, for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Richard Wallsgrove for service on the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority (HGIA).

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Richard Wallsgrove from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority; Hawaii State Energy Office; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii Solar Energy Association; Hawaiian Electric Company; Blue Planet Foundation; and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Wallsgrove's background, experience, and dedication to clean energy qualify him for appointment to the HGIA. Mr. Wallsgrove has an impressive academic history, having received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Berkeley, Master's degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Juris Doctor degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law. Mr. Wallsgrove has a commitment to clean energy with many academic publications to his credit on subjects like solar energy, water resources, climate change, and wave power generation. He has worked as the policy director for Blue Planet Foundation, where he directed policy initiatives for clean energy advocacy. Currently, he is an assistant professor of law at the William S. Richardson School of Law, teaching courses on clean energy law. Your Committee therefore recommends that Richard Wallsgrove be appointed to the HGIA based on his extensive experience, knowledge, and willingness to serve the public.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism,

____________________________

GLENN WAKAI, Chair