THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2279
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014		S.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1

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 health 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;

     (3)  Determining options for removal of photovoltaic waste materials to out-of-state recycling facilities by reviewing underutilized shipping space on outbound freight carriers; and

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

     (c)  The task force shall be composed of the following members:

     (1)  The director of health, 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 themselves and shall serve without compensation.

     (e)  The task force shall submit a report to the legislature of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2016.

     (f)  The task force shall cease to exist on June 30, 2016.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Photovoltaic Waste; Recycling Program; Task Force

Description:

Establishes a task force to study the feasibility of a photovoltaic waste recycling program.  Effective July 1, 2050.  (SB2279 HD1)

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