STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1631-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.C.R. No. 202

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 202 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON HAWAII'S FUTURE ENERGY PATHWAYS TO EXAMINE STRATEGIES TO MAXIMIZE COST SAVINGS WHILE MINIMIZING RISK TO RATEPAYERS OVER THE NEXT THREE DECADES AND ACHIEVING THE STATE'S ENERGY GOALS AND PRODUCING AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, RESILIENT, AND DECARBONIZED ENERGY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish the Legislative Task Force on Hawaii's Future Energy Pathways to:

(1) Examine strategies to maximize cost savings while minimizing risk to ratepayers over the next three decades and achieving the State's energy goals and providing affordable, reliable, resilient, and decarbonized energy;

(2) Evaluate potential pathways for Hawaii's energy transition; and

(3) Consider lessons learned from other jurisdictions pursuing rapid energy transitions and identify policy recommendations that will help the State to maximize cost savings and minimize risk to ratepayers while achieving its statutory clean energy goals and advancing the public interest.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Public Utilities Commission; Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi; Imua Alliance; Pacific Biodiesel Technologies, LLC; and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and Life of the Land.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii has long relied on imported fossil fuels for its energy needs, exposing residents to volatile fuel markets and contributing to high electricity costs. Your Committee further finds that transitioning to local, renewable energy sources offers an opportunity to reduce long-term energy costs and strengthen energy independence. Your Committee recognizes that Hawaii is at a critical crossroads in energy policy and believes that proper planning is needed to ensure lower costs for ratepayers and a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. This measure establishes a task force to examine the State's future energy pathways and help the State meet its energy goals.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Amending the composition of the task force; and

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

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 202, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 202, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair