HI HCR208

Urges the State of Hawaii to provide permanent staff and funding for the Hawaii State Energy Office within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Identifies the Hawaii State Energy Office as the lead state agency responsible for implementing the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative to achieve energy independence from imported fossil fuels.

Notes that the Hawaii State Energy Office is currently funded entirely by federal Petroleum Violation Fund and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act moneys that will expire by the end of the next fiscal year.

Urges the State of Hawaii to identify a permanent source of funding for the Hawaii State Energy Office to continue federal participation in the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative and meet energy system requirements.

Directs that certified copies be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, Director of Finance, and Director of Taxation.