STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1931

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 117

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs and Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 117 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE COUNTIES TO INCLUDE TOWNHOMES IN THE RESIDENTIAL PERMITTING PROCESS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PANELS,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the counties to include townhomes in the residential permitting process for the installation of solar panels.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from 350Hawaii and three individuals.

Your Committees find that the State has a goal to achieve one hundred percent clean energy by 2045. However, commercial permits are required for solar panel installations for townhomes, while these installations for single-family homes require only a residential permit. This policy is preventing thousands of townhome owners from contributing to the State's renewable energy goals, thereby jeopardizing the State's energy security and its goal of reaching one hundred percent clean energy by 2045. Your Committees believe that the State and counties should support the growth of local solar installation companies, and Hawaii residents should have the opportunity to take advantage of federal and state tax incentives for the installation of solar panels, which can save households thousands of dollars. This measure will contribute to the State's renewable energy goals and stabilization of Hawaii's energy grid.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs and Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 117, and recommend its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs and Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism,

________________________________ LYNN DECOITE, Chair

________________________________ GLENN WAKAI, Chair