WHEREAS, students need to have the most conducive, comfortable learning environment to achieve the educational standards set for them; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that a physical learning environment free from unnecessary distractions from heat or outside noise is crucial to student learning; and

WHEREAS, given Hawaii's tropical environment and heat and rising temperatures across the globe, many classrooms need to be equipped with air conditioning or alternative air cooling methods; and

WHEREAS, despite a tremendous backlog of repair and maintenance items and the need for new schools and facilities, it is important to include air conditioning costs as part of a comprehensive priority list of critical budget items for the Department of Education; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Education has projected that the provision of necessary air conditioning to each school and school complex will cost $1,000,000,000 over the next five years; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii has become too dependent on fossil fuels, and energy-efficient practices should be put into place to ensure sustainability, or the use, development, and protection of resources at a rate and in a manner that enables today's generations to meet their current needs, yet provides for the needs of future generations; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, that the Department of Education is requested to evaluate various alternative air cooling methods such as fans, heat reduction, insulation, and energy-efficient individual air conditioning wall units, as well as air cooling methods that use renewable energy sources to encourage compliance with "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" standards; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the evaluation include information on utility, installation, and maintenance costs for the proposed air cooling methods and renewable energy systems to be used, and information on any electrical upgrades that may be necessary; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to submit a final report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2008; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the evaluation be used to develop a strategic plan for air cooling methods and to transition into use of renewable energy sources for the purpose of installing energy-efficient air cooling systems in public schools; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chair of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Education.

Report Title:

Air Conditioning; Schools; DOE