STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2364

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 2016

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committees on Energy and Environment and Tourism and Government Operations, to which was referred S.B. No. 2016 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO GLOBAL WARMING,"

 

beg leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to establish the global warming task force to assess the impacts of climate warming trends on the State.

 

     Specifically, this measure establishes a global warming task force within the Department of Health, and requires an assessment of current and potential impacts of climate warming trends and rising ocean levels as a result of climate change on the citizens, natural resources, and the economy of the State.  Furthermore, the measure requires that recommendations be made to the Legislature and the Governor on measures that would address or mitigate the near and long term effects of climate change.

 

     Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Sierra Club; Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association; and The Nature Conservancy.  Testimony in opposition to this measure was submitted by the Director of Health.  Comments were submitted by Windward Ahupuaa Alliance.

 

     Your Committees find that the climate warming trend threatens the State's resources and economy, and thus, it is advantageous to understand and prepare for the possible effects and impact of future climate warming.

 

     The Nature Conservancy has suggested to your Committees that, as any impact on Hawaii's unique natural resources can directly affect the economy, the study should include an assessment of the impact of climate warming on native plants, animals, and ecosystems.  Additionally, the study should make recommendations that would address the maintenance of the health and resilience of native species and ecosystems.

 

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Including in the study, an assessment on the current and potential impact of climate warming trends and rising ocean levels on native plants, animals, and ecosystems;

 

     (2)  Including in the study, a request for recommendation on how to address or mitigate the near and long term effects of climate change on the health and resilience of native species and ecosystems; and

 

     (3)  Changing its effective date to July, 1 2050, to ensure further discussion and consideration.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy and Environment and Tourism and Government Operations that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2016, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2016, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy and Environment and Tourism and Government Operations,

 

____________________________

CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair

 

____________________________

RON MENOR, Chair