SB2504

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2504
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. In 2007, the Oregon legislature passed a renewable energy package to reduce greenhouse gases. Pursuant thereto, the Oregon department of transportation is planning a pilot a pilot project for the installation of photovoltaic solar panels on state property along highways. The rationale is that solar panels could make profitable use of otherwise empty space in highway rights of way. The Oregon legislature found that this practice is common in Europe.

The legislature finds that solar panels (arrays of photovoltaic cells) make use of renewable energy from the sun, and are a clean and environmentally sound means of collecting solar energy to convert the sun's light energy into electrical energy. The legislature further finds that the placement of solar panels along state highways is an excellent means of promoting the widespread use of solar energy to provide electrical power for highway lighting fixtures or nearby residential neighborhoods.

The purpose of this Act is to allow the department of transportation and the counties to use land along highways, roadways, and streets for installation of photovoltaic solar panels.

SECTION 2. Chapter 264, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§264- Installation of photovoltaic solar panels. (a) The department of transportation or a county, as applicable, may plan and provide for the installation of photovoltaic solar panels on land adjacent to highways, roadways, and streets, as defined in section 291C-1, that is owned by the State or by the respective county. The photovoltaic solar panels shall be used primarily to generate electricity to power street lighting fixtures and signs, or other similar devices. The photovoltaic solar panels may also be used to generate electricity for residential neighborhoods in propinquity to the highway, roadway, or street.

(b) The department of transportation, with the assistance of the counties, shall locate and identify suitable land for purposes of subsection (a) that is feasible for the installation of photovoltaic solar panels. The department of transportation or a county, as applicable, may contract with a utility to provide for the installation of photovoltaic solar panels, for the lease of land to a utility, or for other appropriate arrangements including but not limited to, the sale of electricity to a utility."

SECTION 3. Section 46-19, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[[]§46-19[]] Development of alternative energy resources. Each of the counties may participate in the development of alternative energy resources [~~defined as~~], including geothermal, solar, wind, ocean power, biomass and solid wastes, in joint venture with an end user or public utility pursuant to a plan for the direct utilization of the energy sources by an end user or public utility; provided that [~~should~~] if a joint-venture partner is not [be] available, the counties may proceed with the development of alternate energy resources for their own consumption or for the furtherance of a plan for direct utilization by an end user or public utility. A county may join with the state department of transportation for purposes of section 264- ."

SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________