STAND. COM. REP. NO.  524

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2021

 

RE:   H.B. No. 555

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Economic Development, to which was referred H.B. No. 555, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to:

 

     (1)  Require retailers of household appliances to conspicuously display available energy efficiency rebates funded by the public benefits fee and state-specific energy operation costs;

 

     (2)  Direct the Public Benefits Fee Administrator to create and update the template to be used by retailers; and

 

     (3)  Require the Hawaii State Energy Office to publish signage requirements for household appliances on its website and provide a draft notification letter to the Public Benefits Fee Administrator to be distributed to retailers.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Blue Planet Foundation, Hawaii Energy, and Climate Protectors Hawaii.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Retail Merchants of Hawaii.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Public Utilities Commission.

 

     Your Committee finds that the State's high cost of living underscores the importance of adopting policies that promote energy efficiency.  This measure provides further opportunities to educate consumers about the benefits of energy efficiency, including reduced energy costs and available rebates.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 555, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

SEAN QUINLAN, Chair