Report Title:

Energy; Hawaii Energy Policy Forum

Description:

Appropriates funds to reconvene the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum to develop an action plan, timeline, and benchmarks, and to further engage Hawaii's leaders and stakeholders in implementing the Forum's visions, concepts, and recommendations for Hawaii's preferred energy future.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2848

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO ENERGY.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. In May 2002, the University of Hawaii gathered major energy and policy stakeholders in Hawaii to convene as the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum. The purpose of the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum was to develop an energy vision for Hawaii through the year 2030 and to formulate strategies consistent with implementing that vision. Accordingly, facilitated discussions were conducted on Hawaii's preferred energy future and the issues and constraints that would be encountered in achieving that preferred future. Incorporating a science- and fact-based approach, policy studies were conducted to provide baseline information and review of various environmental, regulatory, economic, social, and cultural issues relating to Hawaii's energy future.

In December 2003, the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum convened a policy summit to provide a community-based forum for review of its work and recommendations. The final report of the summit, "Hawaii at the Crossroads: A Long Term Energy Strategy," sets forth recommended guiding principles and policy options to meet Hawaii's long term energy needs.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to reconvene the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum for the purpose of developing an action plan and timeline for the implementation of the vision, concepts, and recommendations of the summit's final report. This will provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders to continue their work from planning to implementation and for further engagement of policy and decision makers and consumers on issues relevant to creating Hawaii's preferred energy future.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $200,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to reconvene the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum for the purpose of:

(1) Developing a detailed action plan and timeline to implement the recommendations of the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum's final report, "Hawaii at the Crossroads: A Long Term Energy Strategy";

(2) Developing tangible goals, objectives, desired outcomes, and actions to implement the energy vision and strategy of the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum;

(3) Developing benchmarks for measuring outcomes of energy implementation strategies;

(4) Further engaging Hawaii's business, government, labor, and community leaders, and integrating them into the policy activities and discussions of the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum;

(5) Developing greater community and public awareness about Hawaii's energy needs and the goals and activities of the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum; and

(6) Seeking additional funding for statewide implementation of and public education regarding the recommendations and goals of the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.

INTRODUCED BY:

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