STAND. COM. REP. NO. 92

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 506

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 506 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require self-service stations to put labels on gas dispensing equipment that advise consumers on the effects of fossil fuel consumption to human health and the environment.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Energy Office, Center for Climate Change Communication, Think Beyond the Pump, Climate Protectors of Hawai‘i, and seven individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from three individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaii Energy Marketers Association and Public Utilities Commission.

Your Committee finds that increasing public awareness of the harmful effects of the burning of fossil fuels on human health and the environment may support the State's clean energy goals. Thus, this measure aims to increase public awareness by requiring self-service gas stations to place labels on gas dispensing equipment that warn consumers of the effects of fossil fuel consumption to human health and the environment.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 506 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 Agriculture and Environment,

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair