HI HR137

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 to fulfill its statutory duties.

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

Notes that the Hawaii State Energy Office serves as the lead state agency for implementing the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, which provides funding and technical resources for achieving energy independence from imported fossil fuels.

Urges the State to identify a permanent source of funding for the Hawaii State Energy Office to ensure continued operations and federal participation in the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.

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