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Committees advance several energy bills with technical amendments; bills to be reported out with minor changes
Summary
On January 28 the committees also advanced Senate Bills 996, 1068 and 1071 with technical, non‑substantive amendments after receiving comment from the energy office, utilities and consumer advocates.
In addition to the headline items, the joint committees advanced three other energy bills with technical, non‑substantive amendments.
- Senate Bill 996 (renewable energy): The committee accepted technical amendments. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and Hawaiian Electric submitted comments; Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill unless amended to require clear and convincing evidence that project cost increases were due to a producer’s credit rating. The Public Utilities Commission and energy office submitted comments; the committee moved SB 996 forward with technical changes.
- Senate Bill 1068 (geothermal): The committee passed SB 1068 with technical, non‑substantive amendments. The Hawaii State Energy Office and advocates including Ulupono Initiative supported the concept and emphasized community engagement and coordination with existing geothermal research and resources.
- Senate Bill 1071 (energy financing): The committee passed SB 1071 with technical amendments. The Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and other supporters submitted written testimony in support; the committee said the bill would help households access renewable options.
Action and votes: Each bill was advanced out of committee with technical, non‑substantive amendments; votes were recorded as adopted by majority vote with several members excused from voting.
What’s next: The bills will be reported out of committee with the adopted technical amendments and proceed in the legislative process.
