SB2548

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2548
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to energy conservation.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the use of fossil fuels to heat water is one of the most significant contributors to environmental pollution. Its use also perpetuates Hawaii's dependence on imported petroleum products.

The legislature further finds that solar energy is the most abundant renewable energy resource in Hawaii. Using solar energy for water heating is the best "clean" energy alternative for homes in the State. In addition, the use of solar energy devices for water heating will provide consumers with significant cost savings, compared to the use of traditional water heating resources that use petroleum products with unstable and increasing costs.

The concept of mandating solar water heating is not new. Israel has had this policy in place since 1957, recognizing the need to be petroleum independent from their neighboring countries. In the United States, more than 1.5 million homes and businesses currently use solar water heating.

The purpose of this Act is to increase the use of renewable energy to protect our environment, reduce pollution, and make housing more affordable by requiring the installation of solar energy devices for water heating in all new residential development projects with fifty units or more and to require the counties to establish rules requiring the installation of solar energy devices.

SECTION 2. Chapter 196, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§196- Solar energy devices required for new residential construction; water heating. (a) Beginning January 1, 2010, solar energy devices, as provided in section 196-7, shall be installed to heat water, in the construction of every new residential development with fifty units or more of single-family residences, condominiums, and townhouses, except for new developments providing low- and moderate-income housing as defined in section 39A-281.

(b) Installation of solar energy devices shall be in accordance with Hawaiian Electric Company's 100-point installation inspection or a comparable quality assurance standard.

(c) By January 1, 2009, each county shall establish rules that require the installation of solar energy devices to heat water, in the construction of:

(1) Twenty-five per cent of all new residential single-family residences, condominiums, and townhouses, by 2015; and

(2) Fifty per cent of all new residential single-family residences, condominiums, and townhouses, by 2020."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________