STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3885

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                   

 

RE:     H.C.R. No. 180

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 180 entitled:

 

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO EXPLORE AND PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES TO COLOCATE COMMUNITY-BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATING PROJECTS WITH AGRICULTURAL RESERVOIRS AND IRRIGATION WATER INFRASTRUCTURE,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to explore and pursue opportunities to colocate community—based renewable energy generating projects with agricultural reservoirs and irrigation water infrastructure throughout the State.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Molokai Clean Energy Hui, Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Molokai, and one individual.

 

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and one individual.

 

     Your Committee finds that numerous community-led initiatives and local organizations across Hawaii are actively working to develop community—scale renewable energy projects, demonstrating an interest in locally-controlled clean energy solutions.  Furthermore, successful examples of renewable energy generation colocated on water infrastructure already exist on the continental United States, including floating solar photovoltaic installations.  This measure exemplifies the State's commitment to producing clean electricity while conserving water resources.

 

     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 concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 180, and recommends its adoption.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

 

 

 

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair