THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2279
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to energy.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that over the past few decades, production of energy through the use of photovoltaic technology has increased.  The past ten years have seen the largest growth in demand for photovoltaic modules, with a rate of thirty-five per cent in 2010 and predicted rates of twenty per cent or more through 2015.

     The legislature further finds that photovoltaic panels have a life expectancy of up to thirty years, and panels that were installed in the 1990s will start filling waste bins within the next few years.  However, photovoltaic panels and other products have many recoverable materials for reuse.  Addressing the issue of photovoltaic waste and recycling has potential environmental, financial, and social impacts for companies and consumers.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a task force to study the feasibility of implementing a photovoltaic waste recycling program in the State and make recommendations on how to deal with the expected increase in photovoltaic waste in the upcoming years.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established a photovoltaic waste recycling task force, to be placed within the department of business, economic development, and tourism for administrative purposes, to study the feasibility of implementing a photovoltaic waste recycling program in Hawaii.

     (b)  The task force shall consider strategies for addressing the expected increase in photovoltaic waste in the coming years by:

     (1)  Considering local, national, and international technologies for adoption into a photovoltaic waste recycling program to collect, dispose of, and recycle photovoltaic waste;

     (2)  Identifying circumstances where the implementation of a photovoltaic waste recycling program would be impractical; and

     (3)  Considering any other issues the task force considers appropriate.

     (c)  The task force shall comprise the following members:

     (1)  The director of business, economic development, and tourism, or the director's designee;

     (2)  A representative from the photovoltaic industry, who shall be appointed by the governor;

     (3)  A member of the state house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

     (4)  A member of the state senate appointed by the president of the senate; and

     (5)  Any additional members the chairperson of the task force determines to be necessary.

     (d)  The members of the task force shall designate a chairperson from among its members and shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in performance of official duties.

     (e)  The task force shall report to the legislature its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2015.

     (f)  The task force shall cease to exist on June 30, 2015.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Photovoltaic Waste; Recycling Program; Task Force

Description:

Establishes a task force to study the feasibility of a photovoltaic waste recycling program.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.