Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy and Environment, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 88 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to assess the level of light pollution in the State and develop a strategy for reducing the amount of electricity consumed by excess illumination.

The University of Hawaii and an individual submitted testimony in support of this measure and the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) submitted testimony supporting the intent of this measure.

Your Committee finds that there is considerable potential for reducing light pollution in Hawaii. The creation of a "dark skies" design in Hawaii would enhance the performance of the world-class astronomy facilities atop Mauna Kea and Haleakala. Already, DBEDT has been working with the Illuminating Engineering Society and the International Dark-Sky Association regarding new lighting technologies that can achieve dark skies in a manner that satisfies diverse stakeholders.

Your Committee believes that such an assessment will result in providing information that will guide policy development in this area for the future benefit of the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 88 and recommends its adoption.