STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1152

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 192

H.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred H.B. No. 192, H.D. 2, 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 prohibit the sale of certain fluorescent lamps in the State as a new manufactured product, with certain exemptions.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Hawaii State Energy Office, Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Department of Environmental Management for the county of Hawai‘i, Blue Planet Foundation, Hawai‘i Energy, Appliance Standards Awareness Project, Ulupono Initiative, Climate Protectors Hawaii, and nine individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Retail Merchants of Hawaii. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

Your Committee finds that fluorescent bulbs were once the preferred option for many uses. However, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have emerged as readily-available replacements for fluorescents in a variety of shapes and sizes and do not contain any of the toxic mercury found in fluorescent bulbs. Additionally, LEDs use less energy than fluorescents, last twice as long, and typically cost far less to purchase and operate over their lifetime. This measure will prevent additional toxic pollutants from being brought into the State's ecosystem, reduce energy use, and save consumer money by phasing out the sale of mercury-containing bulbs in the State.

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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 192, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.

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

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LYNN DECOITE, Chair