The Hawaii Senate Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection convened on March 21, 2024, to discuss critical legislation aimed at enhancing the state's energy efficiency and environmental protection efforts. The primary focus was Senate Bill 2122, which seeks to extend the energy efficiency portfolio standards. This bill received overwhelming support from various stakeholders, including the Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the Public Utilities Commission, all of whom expressed their backing during the hearing.

Michelangelo, the executive director of the Division of Consumer Advocacy, emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, "We stand on our testimony supporting this bill." Similarly, representatives from the Hawaii State Energy Office and the Public Utilities Commission echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the bill's potential to advance Hawaii's energy goals.

In addition to the energy efficiency bill, the committee also reviewed resolutions urging the Department of Health to investigate policies to reduce the importation of harmful perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Testimony from the Board of Water Supply and Greenpeace Hawaii highlighted the urgency of addressing these environmental concerns, with Greenpeace's Dave Milak stating, "Forever chemicals are everywhere, and we need to start getting a handle on them."

Another significant resolution discussed was HCR 213 and HR 193, which calls for the establishment of a renewable liquid fuels working group. This initiative aims to explore local production and incentives for renewable fuels. The Hawaii State Energy Office and several industry representatives, including Alaska Airlines and Par Hawaii, voiced their support, emphasizing the need for collaboration in developing sustainable energy solutions.

The committee plans to reconvene for decision-making later in the day, with the outcomes of these discussions poised to shape Hawaii's energy landscape and environmental policies in the coming years.