HI SCR114

Requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to have electric utilities investigate whether coal and other natural resources should be included in their fossil fuel portfolios to address Hawaii's electricity costs, transportation fuels, oil independence, carbon footprint, food security, and wastewater treatment challenges.

Directs the department to examine the full spectrum of natural resources before approving new renewable energy generation until integrated resource planning is completed to prevent locking in unnecessarily high electricity rates.

Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to submit findings, recommendations, and any necessary implementing legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2014 Regular Session convenes.

Cites that Hawaiian Electric's coal-based generation costs only 3 cents per kilowatt-hour compared to higher renewable energy tariffs, and that coal remains cheaper than natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and oil.

Notes that fossil fuels are expected to provide 60 percent of Hawaii's electricity generation through 2030 and that coal-based generation as a stationary emitter could capture carbon dioxide for conversion into transportation fuels.