STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1614-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.R. No. 194

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.R. No. 194 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS ON THE BEST PATHS TO MAXIMIZE COST REDUCTION AND MINIMIZE FINANCIAL RISK TO HAWAII RESIDENTS WHILE MEETING STATE GOALS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Public Utilities Commission to:

(1) Contract and engage with experts to develop two separate independent analyses that:

(A) Examine the best potential paths for Hawaii to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk to Hawaii residents for energy while meeting established state goals, from now through 2055, accounting for what costs or savings Hawaii residents will bear in a period beyond 2045 based on the paths evaluated; and

(B) At minimum, consider the latest strategies, technologies, innovations, and options being developed and implemented in Hawaii and other states and jurisdictions that are proving most successful and may help Hawaii maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk to Hawaii residents while meeting established state goals; and

(2) Submit a preliminary and final report to the Legislature.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Public Utilities Commission; Hawaiʻi State Energy Office; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's reliance on imports to meet its energy needs makes the State vulnerable to sudden and severe cost increases as a result of forces outside the State's control. Your Committee further finds that decisions likely to be made in the next few years may lock Hawaii and its residents into energy commitments that will either reduce or escalate the State's reliance on imports and fossil fuels. This measure encourages proper planning for the State's energy future by requesting the Public Utilities Commission to conduct analyses on best paths to reduce costs and minimize financial risk for ratepayers while meeting the State's energy goals.

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.R. No. 194 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

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

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair