STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1493

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: S.B. No. 1520

S.D. 2

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Higher Education & Technology, to which was referred S.B. No. 1520, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII PACIFIC HYDROGEN HUB,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to work with the University of Hawaii on workforce development activities that support the development of the Hawaii Pacific Hydrogen Hub and other related aspects of the State's hydrogen energy industry; and

(2) Appropriate funds for the Hawaii Pacific Hydrogen Hub.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawai‘i System; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii State Energy Office; Servco Pacific Inc.; Hawai‘i Gas; and two individuals. Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committees find that as the State strives to reach its renewable energy goals, it is critical to fully evaluate the potential for hydrogen to contribute to Hawaii's energy needs. Your Committees further find that the State has a unique opportunity to receive federal funding in the production, processing, delivery, storage, and end-use of clean hydrogen through the United States Department of Energy Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program. This measure supports the growth of the clean energy industry in the State and provides alternative energy solutions for Hawaii residents and visitors.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to June 30, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Higher Education & Technology that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1520, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1520, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Higher Education & Technology,

____________________________ AMY A. PERRUSO, Chair

____________________________ NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair