THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2782
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

proposing an amendment to article xi, section 8 of the hawaii constitution, to prohibit the construction of new petroleum, coal, and nuclear power plants in the state without the prior approval of two-thirds of the house of representatives and the senate.

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

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to propose an amendment to article XI, section 8 of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii to prohibit the construction of new petroleum, coal, or nuclear power plants within the State without the prior approval of two-thirds of the house of representatives and of the senate. 

     SECTION 2.  Article XI, section 8, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii is amended to read as follows:

"[NUCLEAR] ENERGY SECURITY

Section 8. For the benefit of present and future generations, the State and its political subdivisions have the obligation to ensure the provision of clean, indigenous, and renewable sources of energy.  The State shall promote the development and utilization of these resources in a manner consistent with their conservation and in furtherance of the State's energy self-sufficiency.

     [No] To achieve the purpose of this section, no new petroleum, coal or nuclear fission power plant shall be constructed [or] and no radioactive material shall be disposed of in the State without the prior approval by a two-thirds vote in each house of the legislature."

    SECTION 3.  The question to be printed on the ballot shall be as follows:

    "To promote the development and use of renewable energy and the State's energy security, shall the construction of new petroleum, coal, or nuclear power plants within the State be prohibited except when prior approval of two-thirds of each house of the legislature is obtained?" 

     SECTION 4.  Constitutional material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New constitutional material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This amendment shall take effect upon compliance with article XVII, section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Energy Security; Petroleum, Coal, and Nuclear Power Plants

Description:

Proposes a constitutional amendment banning the construction of new petroleum, coal, and nuclear power plants within the State without the approval of two-thirds of each house of the legislature.

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