STAND. COM. REP. NO. 295-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 2255

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. 2255 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require agencies to:

(1) Use public benefits fee administrator rebates where available for buildings and facilities; and

(2) Prioritize building and facility appliances that meet the required standards to qualify for public benefits fee administrator rebates.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Energy Office, Hawai‘i Energy, Climate Protectors Hawai‘i, and three individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that increasing energy efficiency is one of the primary ways for the State to reach its renewable energy goals by 2045. By prioritizing the purchase of energy-efficient appliances and taking advantage of rebates for the purchase of energy-efficient equipment for state facilities, the State will demonstrate its commitment to clean energy and reduce its costs associated with energy consumption.

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. 2255 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair