SB 997: Renewable Energy; Large-Scale Renewable Energy Generation Projects; Labor Standards; Attestation; Declaration
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2025-03-12
Current Status:
Failed
(2025-12-08: Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Requires an attestation or declaration regarding project labor standards, including adherence to state-approved apprenticeship programs and prevailing wage requirements, for covered large-scale renewable energy generation projects. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Grants the Public Utilities Commission the ability to authorize preferential rates for the purchase of firm renewable energy from facilities that meet certain prevailing wage requirements. Requires public utilities to forward certain requests for preferential rates to the PUC for approval. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD3)
Grants the Public Utilities Commission the ability to authorize preferential rates for the purchase of firm renewable energy from facilities that meet certain prevailing wage requirements. Requires public utilities to forward certain requests for preferential rates to the PUC for approval. (SD2)
Grants the Public Utilities Commission the ability to authorize preferential rates for the purchase of renewable energy from facilities that meet certain prevailing wage requirements. Requires public utilities to forward certain requests for preferential rates to the PUC for approval. (SD1)
Requires an attestation or declaration regarding project labor standards, including adherence to state-approved apprenticeship programs and prevailing wage requirements, for covered large-scale renewable energy generation projects.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
997 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 3 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ENERGY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
"§196- Project labor standards for large-scale renewable energy projects; attestation or declaration. (a) A person who constructs a covered project sited in the State shall, within thirty days from the date construction begins, provide a signed attestation or declaration to the department stating to the best of that person's knowledge and belief, under penalty of perjury, that during all periods of construction all contractors and subcontractors working on the covered project will:
(1) Use apprentices who are enrolled in or have graduated from an apprenticeship program pursuant to chapter 372;
(2) Have policies in place that are designed to limit or prevent workplace harassment and discrimination and that promote workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion;
(3) Be licensed, be in good standing to perform the work, and remain eligible to receive a contract or subcontract for public works under chapter 104;
(4) Demonstrate a history of compliance in the previous seven years or, for new businesses, provide available history of compliance, with the rules and other requirements of state agencies with oversight regarding workers' compensation, building codes, and occupational safety and health;
(5) Demonstrate a history of compliance in the previous seven years or, for new businesses, provide available history of compliance with, federal and state wage and hour laws;
(6) Provide quarterly reporting and recordkeeping to the covered project's owner or applicable electric utility and respond to records requests and verification;
(7) Comply with chapter 104; and
(8) Offer health care and retirement benefits to the employees performing the labor on the covered project.
(b) In addition to the requirements described in subsection (a), the attestation or declaration shall include the following information:
(1) The megawatt capacity and physical footprint in acres of the covered project;
(2) The geographic location of the covered project;
(3) The estimated workforce requirements of the covered project;
(4) A collated list of good faith effort documentation regarding use of apprentices; and
(5) A description of any policies in place for ensuring the person meets the requirements of this section.
(c) A person constructing a covered project shall notify the purchaser of the covered project or the purchaser of the energy from the covered project of the existence of the signed attestation or declaration required pursuant to subsection (a).
(d) The department shall retain the attestation or declaration required under this section in a manner consistent with the department's record retention rules.
(e) The attestation or declaration provided to the department pursuant to this section shall be subject to public records disclosure pursuant to chapter 92F, and the department shall provide a copy of the attestation or declaration upon request.
(f) An attestation or declaration filed under this section shall be for reporting purposes only, and the department shall not use an attestation or declaration to investigate, regulate, or enforce matters addressed in the attestation or declaration.
(g) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the inclusion of labor standards in addition to those required by subsection (a) in contracts that are subject to this section.
(h) As used in this section:
"Apprentice" has the same meaning as in section 372-2.
"Construction" includes on-site construction and fabrication, excludes post-construction equipment testing or inspection, and shall be effective thirty days after covered project completion.
"Contractor" means any person furnishing construction under a contract with any person, governmental contracting agency, general contractor, subcontractor, individual, partnership, firm, corporation, joint venture, or other legal entity, acting directly or through an agent, employee, consultant, corporate officer, or corporate director.
"Covered project" means a facility for renewable energy generation, renewable energy storage, or carbon sequestration with a capacity rating of one megawatt or greater.
"Department" means the department of business, economic development, and tourism.
"Renewable energy" has the same meaning as in section 269-91."
SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Renewable Energy; Large-Scale Renewable Energy Generation Projects; Labor Standards; Attestation; Declaration
Description:
Requires an attestation or declaration regarding project labor standards, including adherence to state-approved apprenticeship programs and prevailing wage requirements, for covered large-scale renewable energy generation projects. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
SENATE FLOOR AMENDMENT
FLOOR AMENDMENT NO. Date
TO: SENATE Bill No. 997, S.D. 2
SECTION 1. Senate Bill No. 997, S.D. 2, section 3, is amended by amending page 1, line 16, to read as follows:
"SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050."
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Offered by: |
( ) Carried
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( ) Failed to Carry
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( ) Withdrawn
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
997 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 3 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ENERGY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 269, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§269- Preferential renewable energy rates; prevailing wages. (a) The public utilities commission may authorize preferential rates for the purchase of firm renewable energy produced from facilities in conjunction with prevailing wages.
(b) Upon receipt of a bona fide request for preferential rates for the purchase of firm renewable energy produced from facilities in conjunction with prevailing wages, a public utility shall forward the request to the public utilities commission for approval.
(c) As used in this section, "prevailing wages" has the same meaning as defined in section 104-1."
SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.
Report Title:
PUC; Renewable Energy; Preferential Rates; Prevailing Wages
Description:
Grants the Public Utilities Commission the ability to authorize preferential rates for the purchase of firm renewable energy from facilities that meet certain prevailing wage requirements. Requires public utilities to forward certain requests for preferential rates to the PUC for approval. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD3)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
997 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ENERGY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 269, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§269- Preferential renewable energy rates; prevailing wages. (a) The public utilities commission may authorize preferential rates for the purchase of firm renewable energy produced from facilities in conjunction with prevailing wages.
(b) Upon receipt of a bona fide request for preferential rates for the purchase of firm renewable energy produced from facilities in conjunction with prevailing wages, a public utility shall forward the request to the public utilities commission for approval.
(c) As used in this section, "prevailing wages" has the same meaning as defined in section 104-1."
SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
PUC; Renewable Energy; Preferential Rates; Prevailing Wages
Description:
Grants the Public Utilities Commission the ability to authorize preferential rates for the purchase of firm renewable energy from facilities that meet certain prevailing wage requirements. Requires public utilities to forward certain requests for preferential rates to the PUC for approval. (SD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
997 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ENERGY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 269, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§269- Preferential renewable energy rates; prevailing wages. (a) The public utilities commission may authorize preferential rates for the purchase of renewable energy produced from facilities in conjunction with prevailing wages.
(b) Upon receipt of a bona fide request for preferential rates for the purchase of renewable energy produced from facilities in conjunction with prevailing wages, a public utility shall forward the request to the public utilities commission for approval.
(c) As used in this section, "prevailing wages" has the same meaning as defined in section 104-1."
SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
PUC; Renewable Energy; Preferential Rates; Prevailing Wages
Description:
Grants the Public Utilities Commission the ability to authorize preferential rates for the purchase of renewable energy from facilities that meet certain prevailing wage requirements. Requires public utilities to forward certain requests for preferential rates to the PUC for approval. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
997 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to energy.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
"§196- Project labor standards for large-scale renewable energy projects; attestation or declaration. (a) A person who constructs a covered project sited in the State shall, within thirty days from the date construction begins, provide a signed attestation or declaration to the department stating to the best of that person's knowledge and belief, under penalty of perjury, that during all periods of construction all contractors and subcontractors working on the covered project will:
(1) Use apprentices who are enrolled in or have graduated from an apprenticeship program pursuant to chapter 372;
(2) Have policies in place that are designed to limit or prevent workplace harassment and discrimination and that promote workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion;
(3) Be licensed, be in good standing to perform the work, and remain eligible to receive a contract or subcontract for public works under chapter 104;
(4) Demonstrate a history of compliance in the previous seven years or, for new businesses, provide available history of compliance with the rules and other requirements of state agencies with oversight regarding workers' compensation, building codes, and occupational safety and health;
(5) Demonstrate a history of compliance in the previous seven years or, for new businesses, provide available history of compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws;
(6) Provide quarterly reporting and recordkeeping to the covered project's owner or applicable electric utility and respond to records requests and verification;
(7) Comply with chapter 104; and
(8) Offer health care and retirement benefits to the employees performing the labor on the covered project.
(b) In addition to the requirements described in subsection (a), the attestation or declaration shall include the following information:
(1) The megawatt capacity and physical footprint in acres of the covered project;
(2) The geographic location of the covered project;
(3) The estimated workforce requirements of the covered project;
(4) A collated list of good faith effort documentation regarding use of apprentices; and
(5) A description of any policies in place for ensuring the person meets the requirements of this section.
(c) A person constructing a covered project shall notify the purchaser of the covered project or the purchaser of the energy from the covered project of the existence of the signed attestation or declaration required pursuant to subsection (a).
(d) The department shall retain the attestation or declaration required under this section in a manner consistent with the department's record retention rules.
(e) The attestation or declaration provided to the department pursuant to this section shall be subject to public records disclosure pursuant to chapter 92F, and the department shall provide a copy of the attestation or declaration upon request.
(f) An attestation or declaration filed under this section shall be for reporting purposes only, and the department shall not use an attestation or declaration to investigate, regulate, or enforce matters addressed in the attestation or declaration.
(g) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the inclusion of labor standards in addition to those required by subsection (a) in contracts that are subject to this section.
(h) If:
(1) Contractors and subcontractors are unable or unwilling to meet the requirements under subsection (a);
(2) Enforcing the requirements of this section will prevent the completion of the covered project in accordance with an existing or a new contract; and
(3) All reasonable attempts have been made to procure contractors and subcontractors who are able and willing to meet the requirements under subsection (a),
then the person completing the covered project may be exempt from the requirements of subsection (a).
(i) As used in this section:
"Apprentice" has the same meaning as defined in section 372-2.
"Construction" includes on-site construction and fabrication, excludes post-construction equipment testing or inspection, and shall be effective thirty days after covered project completion.
"Contractor" means any person furnishing construction under a contract with any person, governmental contracting agency, general contractor, subcontractor, individual, partnership, firm, corporation, joint venture, or other legal entity, acting directly or through an agent, employee, consultant, corporate officer, or corporate director.
"Covered project" means a facility for renewable energy generation, renewable energy storage, or carbon sequestration with a capacity rating of one megawatt or greater.
"Department" means the department of business, economic development, and tourism.
"Renewable energy" has the same meaning as defined in section 269-91."
SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Energy Resources; Renewable Energy; Large-Scale Energy Projects; Labor Standards
Description:
Requires an attestation or declaration regarding project labor standards, including adherence to state-approved apprenticeship programs and prevailing wage requirements, for covered large-scale renewable energy generation projects.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Dec 8, 2025 | Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. |
| Mar 13, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC with Representative(s) Kong, Reyes Oda voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran, Holt, Ward, Woodson excused (4). |
| Mar 13, 2025 | Reported from EEP/LAB (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1207) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to CPC. |
| Mar 11, 2025 | The committee on LAB recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Sayama, Lee, M., Garrett, Kapela; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Kong, Reyes Oda; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Mar 11, 2025 | The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Lowen, Perruso, Kahaloa, Kusch; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Quinlan, Ward. |
| Mar 7, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by EEP/LAB on Tuesday, 03-11-25 11:15AM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to EEP/LAB, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 19 |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 392) in amended form (SD 3). |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 3). Ayes, 22; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 2 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Lee, C.). Transmitted to House. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice 03-06-25 |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Report filed. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Separated Committee Report. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Floor amendment adopted as amended (SD 3). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Floor Amendment No. 1 offered. |
| Feb 27, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice 03-04-25. |
| Feb 27, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 767) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). |
| Feb 18, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) DeCoite. |
| Feb 14, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-18-25 10:01AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 10, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 10, 2025 | Reported from EIG/LBT (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 158) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Feb 3, 2025 | The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EIG were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Wakai, Chang, DeCoite, Richards; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Feb 3, 2025 | The committee(s) on LBT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in LBT were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Aquino, Lee, C., Ihara, Moriwaki; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Jan 30, 2025 | The committee(s) on EIG/LBT has scheduled a public hearing on 02-03-25 3:20PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Referred to EIG/LBT, WAM. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 17, 2025 | Introduced. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Mar 11, 2025 | The committee on LAB recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Labor |
Passed |
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| Mar 11, 2025 | The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection |
Passed |
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| Mar 6, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 18, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Feb 3, 2025 | The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs |
Passed |
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| Feb 3, 2025 | The committee(s) on LBT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Labor and Technology |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| Ameresco | *** Support | Feb 18, 2025 |
| Education Trust, Operating Engineers Local 3, and Hawaiʻi Construction Alliance | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Clean Power Alliance | *** Support | Feb 18, 2025 |
| Hawaii Laborers & Employers Cooperation and Education Trust | *** Support | Feb 3, 2025 |
| Hawaii State Energy Office, Hawaii Laborers and Employers Cooperation | ** Support | |
| Hawaii State Energy Office | *** Support | Feb 3, 2025 |
| Hawai‘i Construction Alliance | *** Support | Feb 3, 2025 |
| Operating Engineers Local 3 | *** Support | Feb 3, 2025 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1207
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 997
S.D. 3
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Labor, to which was referred S.B. No. 997, S.D. 3, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENERGY,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Allow the Public Utilities Commission to authorize preferential rates for the purchase of firm renewable energy from facilities in conjunction with prevailing wages; and
(2) Require public utilities to forward requests for preferential rates for the purchase of firm renewable energy produced from facilities in conjunction with prevailing wages to the Public Utilities Commission for approval.
Your Committees find that the State must support the development of renewable energy projects while ensuring that such projects abide by certain project labor standards. However, your Committees find that this measure, as currently drafted, allows the authorization of rates that are preferential to producers of firm renewable energy, which may increase rates for ratepayers. Your Committees further find that amendments to this measure are necessary to focus instead on the adherence of renewable energy generation projects to certain labor standards.
Your Committees have amended this measure accordingly by reverting to the version of this measure as introduced, which requires an attestation or declaration regarding project labor standards, including adherence to state-approved apprenticeship programs and prevailing wage requirements, for covered large-scale renewable energy generation projects, and further amending the measure by:
(1) Removing the exemption to the attestation or declaration regarding project labor standards;
(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Labor that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 997, S.D. 3, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 997, S.D. 3, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Labor,
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____________________________ JACKSON D. SAYAMA, Chair |
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____________________________ NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 767
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 997
S.D. 2
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 997, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENERGY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to grant the Public Utilities Commission the ability to authorize preferential rates for the purchase of renewable energy from facilities that meet certain prevailing wage requirements.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from Ameresco, the Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and one individual.
Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Division of Consumer Advocacy; Hawaii State Energy Office; and Public Utilities Commission.
Your Committee finds that providing an incentive for facilities to meet prevailing wage requirements will help ensure that workers can earn a living wage and will be motivated to pursue long-term careers in the State's utility renewable energy construction sector.
Your Committee has amended this measure by narrowing the scope of the preferential rate to apply to firm renewable energy.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 997, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 997, S.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 158
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 997
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Labor and Technology, to which was referred S.B. No. 997 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENERGY,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to require an attestation or declaration regarding project labor standards, including adherence to state-approved apprenticeship programs and prevailing wage requirements, for covered large-scale renewable energy generation projects.
Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Energy Office, Hawaii Laborers and Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, Operating Engineers Local 3, and Hawaiʻi Construction Alliance.
Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Hawaii Clean Power Alliance.
Your Committees find that achieving the State's renewable energy standard of one hundred percent by 2045 necessitates the construction of large-scale renewable energy projects. Requiring the developers of these large-scale renewable energy projects to pay a prevailing wage will help ensure that workers are compensated fairly and that certain requirements for federal funding or credits are met, further motivating workers to pursue long-term careers in Hawaii's utility renewable energy construction sector.
Your Committees note that Senate Bill No. 743, Regular Session of 2025, is a similar measure regarding prevailing wages for those who work on large-scale renewable energy projects. Your Committees conclude that the language in Senate Bill No. 743 is preferable because it contains language authorizing preferential energy rates for the purchase of renewable energy produced from facilities in conjunction with prevailing wages.
Accordingly, your Committees have amended this measure by deleting its contents and inserting the contents of section 2 of Senate Bill No. 743, which:
(1) Grants the Public Utilities Commission the ability to authorize preferential rates for the purchase of renewable energy from facilities that meet certain prevailing wage requirements; and
(2) Requires public utilities to forward certain requests for preferential rates to the Public Utilities Commission for approval.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Labor and Technology that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 997, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 997, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Labor and Technology,
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________________________________ HENRY J.C. AQUINO, Chair |
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________________________________ GLENN WAKAI, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Mar 10, 2025 | SB997_SD3_TESTIMONY_EEP-LAB_03-11-25_.PDF |
| Feb 18, 2025 | SB997_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-18-25_.PDF |
| Feb 3, 2025 | SB997_TESTIMONY_EIG-LBT_02-03-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
2MIN
House Standing Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection
1MIN
Senate Floor
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):