WHEREAS, the United States currently relies heavily on coal, oil, and natural gas for its energy; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii is critically dependent on imported oil, which supplies approximately 90 per cent of Hawaii's energy needs; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii is over 90 per cent dependent on imported oil, is physically isolated from outside sources of energy, and is vulnerable to economic disruptions in the world oil market; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that the time has come for the State to develop alternative, renewable energy resources to meet the energy needs of today and the future; and

WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii encourages the use of renewable energy; and

WHEREAS, methane is the primary component of natural gas;

and

WHEREAS, methane gas can be converted from waste materials and decaying biomass; and

WHEREAS, unmonitored methane can explode if it is allowed

to build up, but it can still be a valuable energy

resource; and

WHEREAS, since methane gas is highly combustible and has qualities similar to the common natural gas used in many homes and businesses across the country, the recovered gas may be used as an alternative or recycled form of energy; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for the development and management of commercial harbors in the State; and

WHEREAS, the areas of the Honolulu Harbor at Pier 36, 37, and 38 are contaminated with methane; and

WHEREAS, the opening of the State's Fishing Village at Honolulu Harbor has been delayed because of reports of high levels of methane gas in the area; and

WHEREAS, the State is currently cleaning the methane gas and has set up methane monitoring systems at Honolulu Harbor; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that DOT is requested to study the feasibility of harnessing methane gas from their mitigation efforts at Honolulu Harbor to be used as a viable energy resource; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature encourages the Harbors Division of DOT to consider and install renewable energy efficient technologies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DOT submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2004; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation.

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