HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	167
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

Urging the performance of a cost-benefit analysis on the reduction of street lighting on oahu and an examination of the effects this reduction may have on light pollution.

     WHEREAS, street lighting along state and county roadways is installed to suitably and safely illuminate these streets for night-time driving; and

     WHEREAS, while serving an important and useful purpose, the abundance of street lighting also has negative consequences such as increased energy consumption and the production of light pollution that can adversely impact native wildlife; and

     WHEREAS, on the island of Oahu, it is estimated that at least $7 million per year is spent in electricity costs to light our streets and that up to 40 percent of the energy used for lighting in Honolulu is wasted by lighting the sky or directing the light where it is not needed; and

     WHEREAS, proposals have been made to change lighting fixtures on Hawaii's roadways and highways in order to conserve energy and resources while maintaining appropriate outdoor lighting suitable for safety, utility, and security, as well as protecting the environment; and

     WHEREAS, these difficult economic times necessitate finding ways to reduce governmental operational costs even while promoting Hawaii's sustainability, and this can be accomplished by reducing street lighting; and

     WHEREAS, less street lighting has the added benefit of reducing light pollution, thus positively impacting Hawaii's natural environment; now, therefore,
     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2011, that the State Department of Transportation and Department of Transportation Services of the City and County of Honolulu are urged to collaboratively perform a cost-benefit analysis on the reduction of street lighting on Oahu and examine the effects this reduction may have on light pollution; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this analysis and examination shall include evaluation of the possible cost and energy savings that may be realized by a reduction in the number of street lights, the effects of using full-cutoff or semi-cutoff street lighting fixtures on light pollution, the possible cost savings realized by using such fixtures, and any safety and other concerns raised by reduced street lighting or the use of full-cutoff or semi-cutoff street lighting fixtures; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State Department of Transportation submit a report of findings and recommendations, including any legislation, to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2012; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation and Director of the Department of Transportation Services of the City and County of Honolulu.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Urging the State Department of Transportation and Department of Transportation Services of the City and County of Honolulu to collaboratively perform a cost-benefit analysis on the reduction of street lighting on Oahu and examine the effects this reduction may have on light pollution.