Greenpeace urges against LNG investment as committee advances generational‑energy study; Earthjustice offers amendments

The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard contested testimony on SCR 166 SD1, a resolution directing the Public Utilities Commission to apply particular considerations when evaluating policies that could be characterized as a generational energy commitment.

Dave Mollocks of Greenpeace Hawaii told the committee that investing in liquefied natural gas would worsen pollution and accelerate climate impacts. "For Hawaii to invest in LNG as part of our energy mix would be the equivalent to us putting our foot on the accelerator to climate hell," Mollocks said, urging the committee to avoid any action that would enable LNG development in the state.

Stakeholders with technical and regulatory roles provided comments but did not advocate for specific prohibitions. Mike Langella, Executive Director of the Division of Consumer Advocacy, presented comments and stood on his written testimony. Andrew Kaveh, an engineer at the Public Utilities Commission, indicated the PUC submitted written comments and that PUC staff were available for questions.

Isaac Moriwaki of Earthjustice said his organization supported the intent of SCR 166 and offered amendments intended to return the resolution's language to its original focus and to ensure the contemplated study yields useful, rigorous analysis. "We did offer friendly amendments ... to ensure that this contemplated study and analyses end up being the best it can be," Moriwaki said.

After testimony and consideration of written input, Chair Loewen recommended passing SCR 166 SD1 as drafted; the committee adopted the recommendation in a recorded voice vote (Rep. Quinlan excused). The committee did not adopt additional substantive restrictions on fuel choices at this hearing; stakeholders asked for stronger language or clarifications, and Earthjustice supplied proposed edits for consideration.

What happens next

SCR 166 SD1 passed out of committee and will move forward according to legislative scheduling; the PUC and other agencies referenced in testimony are expected to participate in or respond to any resulting analyses or reports required by the resolution.