STAND. COM. REP. NO.  421

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2021

 

RE:   H.B. No. 1333

      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 Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1333 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENERGY,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to require and appropriate funds for the Hawaii State Energy Office, in consultation with the Department of Health, to conduct a comprehensive study to determine best practices for disposal and recycling of discarded clean energy products in the State.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Zero Waste Big Island and one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaii State Energy Office.

 

     Your Committee finds that solar panels have a life expectancy of up to thirty years and panels installed in the 1990s will start requiring disposal in the very near future.  Heavy metals such as cadmium and lead are found in solar cells, which can harm the natural environment if not recycled or disposed of properly.  This measure ensures that the best practices for proper disposal and recycling of discarded clean energy products can be adopted to prevent excess waste and harm to the environment.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

 

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1333, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1333, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair