STAND. COM. REP. NO.  754-10

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2010

RE:   S.B. No. 2817

      S.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2010

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 2817, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SOLAR ENERGY DEVICES,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to extend the time by which homeowners associations must adopt rules for the placement of solar energy devices to December 31, 2010, and to clarify that the rules may not impose restrictions or conditions that would:

     (1)  Render a solar energy device more than 25 percent less effective;

     (2)  Increase the cost of installation, maintenance, or removal by more than 15 percent; or

     (3)  Require an encumbrance on title.

     Hawaii Solar Energy Association and Blue Planet Foundation testified in support of this bill.

     Your Committee finds that solar energy systems are an integral part of reaching Hawaii's clean energy goals and are becoming increasingly common. Solar is one of the most substantial and readily available forms of clean energy that is available in the state. This measure serves to eliminate obstacles for residents and therefore encourage continued widespread adoption of solar energy devices.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Housing that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2817, S.D. 1, and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Housing,

____________________________ RIDA CABANILLA, Chair

____________________________ HERMINA MORITA, Chair