HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	156
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

urging the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to support the ongoing research and development of wave energy devices in Hawaii and the creation of a wave energy facility.

WHEREAS, the ocean represents a vast natural energy resource in the form of waves that generate energy; and

WHEREAS, wave energy is recognized as one of the most consistent sources of renewable power available; and

WHEREAS, the World Energy Council estimates that energy equivalent to twice the world's electricity production could be harvested from the world's oceans.  If less than one-tenth of one per cent of the renewable energy within the oceans could be converted into electricity, the present world demand for energy would be satisfied more than five times over; and

WHEREAS, there is growing awareness of the economic, energy security, and environmental values of renewable resources; for example, the wind, sun, and ocean can provide a local supply of clean energy that never runs out; and 

WHEREAS, in addition to a clean environment, renewable resources produce other public benefits, including reduced dependency on foreign fuels and economic development, resulting in new jobs and increased state and local tax revenues; and

     WHEREAS, wave energy is presently being used by countries that have extensive coastlines, such as Great Britain, Australia, and Spain; and 

     WHEREAS, in 2003, the Renewable Energy Trust and other supporters provided grants for the installation of an ocean wave demonstration facility in Rhode Island that is projected to produce up to five hundred kilowatts of electricity, enough to power three hundred average households; and

WHEREAS, wave energy technology is currently being researched, developed, and tested in Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, a wave energy facility in Hawaii would build our State's reputation as a national leader of renewable resource and ocean technology and coastal resource management; now, therefore

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is urged to support the ongoing research and development of wave energy devices in Hawaii and the creation of a wave energy facility; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and the Director of the Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Energy; Wave Energy Research