STAND. COM. REP. NO.  609-14

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2014

RE:   H.B. No. 2165

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2165, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to help Hawaii to meet its present and future energy needs and renewable energy mandates by encouraging the development, expansion, and protection of solar energy.  Specifically, this measure:

     (1)  Authorizes the counties to create a process for the recordation and enforcement of solar easements; and

     (2)  Requires protection of solar access from shade caused by vegetation to preserve the economic value of solar radiation falling on structures, investments in solar energy devices, and options for future uses of solar energy.

The Hawaii Solar Energy Association provided testimony in support of this measure.  The Office of the City Clerk of the City and County of Honolulu provided comments on this measure.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2165, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair