STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3466

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 54

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 54 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO APPOINT A HYDROGEN FIRE SAFETY EXPERT AND PROVIDE TRAINING ON HYDROGEN-RELATED SAFETY PROTOCOLS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the State Fire Marshal to appoint a hydrogen fire safety expert and provide training on hydrogen-related safety protocols.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the United States Hydrogen Alliance.

Your Committee finds that hydrogen has emerged as a critical energy source with applications in transportation, energy storage, and grid resilience. Hydrogen is a versatile and sustainable fuel source that will contribute to the State's energy resilience, economic development, and reduced carbon emissions. To prepare for expanded adoption of hydrogen fuel, it is crucial for the State to ensure that fire safety professionals have access to appropriate expertise and training to address hydrogen's unique fire and safety risks. Establishing a hydrogen fire safety expert within the Office of the State Fire Marshal and providing regular training opportunities for county fire departments and building inspectors will help ensure that personnel are familiar with nationally recognized codes and best practices related to hydrogen systems. By requesting the State Fire Marshal to proactively build this capacity, this measure will help facilitate the efficient development of hydrogen infrastructure across the State while ensuring that first responders and inspectors are well prepared to support the hydrogen industry as it grows.

Your Committee notes the testimony of the United States Hydrogen Alliances expressing its willingness to provide support and expertise in helping the State prepare for the adoption of hydrogen as an energy source and developing fire safety recommendations in the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 54 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs,

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CAROL FUKUNAGA, Chair