STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3743

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1801

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1801, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to improve the energy efficiency of state facilities.

Specifically, the measure:

(1) Requires state facilities, with the exception of smaller facilities, to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures;

(2) Directs the Hawaii State Energy Office to collect all state-owned facilities' utility bill and energy usage data and make this data publicly available;

(3) Provides that certain agencies that perform energy efficiency retrofitting may continue to receive a certain amount of budget appropriations for energy expenditures; and

(4) Beginning July 1, 2023, where feasible and cost-effective, requires the design of all new state building construction to maximize energy and water efficiency and energy generation potential, and the use of building materials that minimize the project's carbon footprint.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Energy Office, Hawaii Energy, Hawaii Association for Marine Education and Research, Blue Planet Foundation, Ulupono Initiative, 350Hawaii, Climate Protectors Hawaii, Elemental Excelerator, and twenty-two individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Accounting and General Services and one individual.

Your Committee finds that improving energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way to reduce energy usage and is vital for maximizing near-term savings and the long-term energy performance of state buildings.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1801, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair