HCR 70 Summary

• Urges the Public Utilities Commission to establish reduced electricity tariffs for persons engaged in aquaculture, aquaponics, and agriculture using renewable energy that utilities would otherwise curtail during off-peak hours.

• Addresses Hawaii's reliance on imported food (approximately 90 percent) and the need for sustainable agricultural production to reduce fossil fuel imports and strengthen renewable energy resources.

• Identifies that electric utilities curtail excess renewable energy during off-peak hours, creating an opportunity to supply discounted electricity to agricultural producers.

• Requests the Public Utilities Commission submit a report on establishing reduced tariffs to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2014 Regular Session convenes.

• Directs certified copies be transmitted to the Public Utilities Commission, electric utility companies, state agricultural and economic development agencies, county mayors, and relevant business organizations.