STAND. COM. REP. NO. 18-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 1524

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1524 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to amend the definition of "petroleum product", as it applies to unfair trade practices by the petroleum industry, to mean any product derived from the distillation of crude oil.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Public Utilities Commission, Hawaii State Energy Office, Life of the Land, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the existing definition of "petroleum product" excludes certain types of oil-derived products, resulting in these products not being subject to certain fines, consumer protections, and other safeguards. This measure will help to reduce threats to energy security for residents, as well as negotiation imbalances that impose costs on ratepayers.

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 H.B. No. 1524 and recommends that it pass Second Reading 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