STAND. COM. REP. NO. 53

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 1077

 

 

 

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Energy and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 1077 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to bring the State into the forefront of environmental change by setting an example and promoting policies and regulations within state departments and agencies to decrease the release of greenhouse gas.

 

     The intent of this measure is to require the head of each state department, through planning, processes, regulations, and permit applications, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions where feasible. 

 

     Testimony in support of this measure was received from Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning, LLC; Life of the Land; the Conservation Council for Hawaii; Hawaii Solar Energy Association; the Respiratory & Environmental Disabilities Association of Hawaii; the Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter; and eight individuals.  The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism submitted comments on this measure. 

 

     Your Committee finds that climate change due to human-produced greenhouse gas emissions is a serious issue that must be addressed to protect our health and environment.  Ongoing efforts must be made to increase the use of newer, cleaner technologies. 

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1077 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

RON MENOR, Chair