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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.R. NO. |
154 |
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TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE RESOLUTION
Requesting the department of land and natural resources to study the potential impacts of placing hydroelectric generating devices along mountain streams.
WHEREAS, hydroelectric power presents a promising, sustainable source of energy that can increase renewable energy generation in the State; and
WHEREAS, the State's tropical climate and immense mountain ranges produce significant amounts of rainfall that travels from the mountains to the sea, making ideal conditions for hydroelectric energy generation along those waterways; and
WHEREAS, the construction and use of hydroelectric generating devices, however, might impact negatively on fresh water ecosystems and aquatic habitats of native or endangered species; and
WHEREAS, while most of the land along rivers, streams, and smaller waterways are state-owned agricultural or conservation land, private landowners, trusts, and other entities that own adjacent land may create jurisdictional issues; and
WHEREAS, while constructing and maintaining hydroelectric generating devices might create the potential for significant monetary and environmental costs, the benefit of renewable energy production could outweigh the upfront expenses and any negligible environmental impacts; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to study the potential impacts of placing hydroelectric generating devices along mountain streams; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to include in the study:
(1) The fiscal impact of constructing and maintaining hydroelectric generating devices along mountain streams;
(2) The potential harm to endangered species in the surrounding areas that may arise in relation to the placement of hydroelectric generating devices; and
(3) Any jurisdictional issues that may arise with respect to private property and water rights; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to submit a written report of its finding and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2010 Regular Session; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.
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OFFERED BY: |
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Hydroelectric Power; Mountain Streams