HB277.DOC

Report Title:

alternative Energy Utilities in Schools; Grants; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to make grants available to public schools for the purchase of alternative energy utilities for public school campuses in the state.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	277
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Helping Hawaii's public schools to acquire alternative energy utilities assists in the development and maintenance of sustainable communities that generate their own energy onsite and are less reliant on imported fossil fuels.

Renewable energy utilities eventually pay for themselves, and acquiring alternative energy utilities will save money for the State, as well as promote independence from imported oil.

The Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) has already successfully implemented a sun power for schools program for 26 public schools on Oahu. Under the program, HECO installs, operates, and maintains solar electric systems using photovoltaic technology and helps the department of education to develop teaching materials on renewable energy of all kinds.

An alternative energy grant program would create similar opportunities for other schools. Making grants available to public schools for the purchase of alternative energy utilities for their campuses would not only promote sustainability but would also serve as a learning tool for students in business, science, and math classes.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009-2010 to make available grants to public schools for the purchase of alternative energy utilities for public school campuses in the state.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________