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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
99 |
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TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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RESOLUTION
requesting the department of business, economic development, and tourism AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE to conduct a study of the feasibility of using renewable energy resources in the State's emergency response plan.
WHEREAS, one of the important lessons learned from the hurricane disaster along the Gulf Coast is that reliable electric power is critical for effective emergency response; and
WHEREAS, diesel-generators, the power source typically used during times of emergency, are costly and noisy, produce excessive fumes, rely on the availability of diesel fuel, and are difficult to transport when roads are closed, blocked, or washed away; and
WHEREAS, photovoltaic energy grids are proven sources of essential emergency power, having been used in response to many of the hurricanes and natural disasters on the Gulf Coast and nationwide; and
WHEREAS, diversifying the State's emergency response plan to include renewable energy resources will ensure the provision of essential emergency power, on a long-term basis, if necessary, in a sustainable and responsible manner; and
WHEREAS, this may include but is not limited to upgrading the State's emergency shelters to include the provision of backup photovoltaic cells, solar panels, and biodiesel generators; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and the state Department of Defense are requested to conduct a study of the feasibility of including the use of renewable energy resources in the State's emergency response plan. The study shall include:
(1) An emergency power needs assessment;
(2) An evaluation of renewable resource options appropriate for emergency response situations;
(3) An evaluation of the cost and cost-effectiveness of each renewable resource option; and
(4) Recommendations regarding the renewable energy resource options that should be used, along with a plan for deployment of the recommended options; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and the state Department of Defense are requested to consult with Hawaiian Electric Company, Incorporated, and, if necessary, other utilities in conducting the study; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and the state Department of Defense are requested to report their findings and recommendations, including any necessary proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2007; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; the Adjutant General of the state Department of Defense; and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiian Electric Company, Incorporated.
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OFFERED BY: |
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Report Title:
Emergency Response Plan; Renewable Resources