STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1919

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 17

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.C.R. No. 17 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE TO ENGAGE THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TO ESTABLISH A PERMANENT PRESENCE WITHIN THE STATE OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Hawaii State Energy Office to engage the United States Department of Energy to establish a permanent presence within the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Division of Consumer Advocacy of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Hawaii State Energy Office; Hawaiian Electric; Hawai‘i Gas; Sustainable Energy Hawaii; and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that in 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration established an Indo-Pacific national security strategy that seeks to build resiliency by developing certain targets, strategies, plans, and policies consistent with limiting the negative consequences of climate change. Hawaii has established itself as a global leader on energy policy and was the first state to commit to goals similar to those established by the Biden-Harris Administration's policy. The United States Department of Energy (USDOE) has been a critical partner to the State in achieving its clean energy goals and economic transformation. A permanent USDOE presence in the State could accelerate the leadership and transformation of Hawaii toward a resilient, clean energy economy. Accordingly, this measure will help to enhance opportunities to create more federal and state partnerships, increase opportunities for the State to take advantage of federal assistance that will help the State transition to clean energy, and ensure that the benefits of the State's transition to clean energy are delivered to all customers and make the transition more affordable for all.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 17, and recommends its adoption.

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

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LYNN DECOITE, Chair