HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1565
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to daylight saving time.

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

     SECTION 1.  Historically, daylight saving time was a means to conserve fuel during wartime, perhaps most notably utilized by the United States and various European countries during World War I.  Studies conducted by the United States Department of Transportation have concluded that daylight saving time trims the entire country's electricity usage by a small but significant amount due to less demand for lighting and appliances.

     The United States Congress has found that daylight saving time may yield energy savings in other areas besides electrical power consumption and that it could serve as an incentive for further energy conservation by individuals, companies, and agencies at all levels of government.  Congress has also found that the use of daylight saving time could have other beneficial effects, including the reduction of crime, improved traffic safety, more daylight outdoor playtime for children, greater utilization of recreation areas, and expanded economic opportunities.

     Although Hawaii briefly observed daylight saving time during World War II and has considered legislation to adopt it numerous times since then, no studies have been done to assess the potential economic impact of adopting daylight saving time.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the department of business, economic development, and tourism to study the potential economic impacts that would result from the State's observance of daylight saving time.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall conduct a study of the potential economic impacts that would result from the State's observance of daylight saving time.  The study shall include analyses of:

     (1)  Potential energy savings;

     (2)  The effects on local businesses of increased daylight time during regular business hours;

     (3)  The effects on local businesses' ability to transact with mainland and international companies; and

     (4)  Any other relevant considerations.

     (b)  The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall submit a written report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2015.

     SECTION 3.  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 2014-2015 for the department of business, economic development, and tourism to conduct a study of the potential economic impacts that would result from the State's observance of daylight saving time.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2014.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

DBEDT; Study; Daylight Saving Time; Appropriation

Description:

Requires DBEDT to study the potential economic impacts that would result from the State's observance of daylight saving time.  Makes an appropriation.  Effective 07/01/2014.

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