HB2704

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that not only is climate change real, but it is the overriding challenge of the twenty-first century and one of the legislature's priorities. Climate change poses immediate and long-term threats to the State's economy, sustainability, security, and way of life.

The legislature finds that Hawaii leads the nation in the creation of pioneering models of energy. Presently, the state department of education and the University of Hawaii are progressing toward becoming energy net-zero by 2035 by producing as much renewable energy as the entities consume. This progress will reduce the State's energy costs, contribute to Hawaii's clean energy goals, and make better use of Hawaii's limited resources. Installing more efficient lighting and natural ventilation, and integrating renewable technologies such as solar panels and batteries can help power state facilities, reduce electricity costs, and improve overall energy performance.

The legislature also finds that water conservation is among the least expensive and most efficient ways to increase the available supply of Hawaii's fresh water. Fresh water is the lifeblood of society. The quantity and quality of fresh water directly impact the health, welfare, economy, and quality of life in Hawaii. Fresh water infrastructure has been constructed to withdraw water from available sources, to treat water to meet acceptable standards, and to distribute water to our various communities.

The legislature further finds that Act 170, Session Laws of Hawaii 2016, requires the utilization of reclaimed water for uses other than drinking and for potable water needs in one hundred per cent of state and county facilities by December 31, 2045.

The purpose of this Act is to maximize taxpayer savings by:

(1) Establishing long-term commitments to reduce energy use and fresh water consumption at all department of land and natural resources state facilities and all state facilities operated by the Hawaii state judiciary; and

(2) Encouraging the use of innovative means of energy-savings and water reclamation financing to reduce taxpayer costs for capital improvement and energy efficient and water reclamation projects.

SECTION 2. Chapter 174C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§174C- State facilities; one hundred per cent water reclamation goal. (a) Pursuant to section 174C-31(g)(6), the department shall establish a collective goal of reclaiming water for uses other than drinking and for potable water needs in one hundred per cent of its facilities by December 31, 2045.

(b) The department shall establish a benchmark for the amount and value of water consumed during the 2020-2021 fiscal year, against which it shall measure its progress toward the water reclamation goal in subsection (a).

(d) The department shall submit an annual report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session. The annual report shall include the following information pursuant to the goal in subsection (a):

(1) Overall progress toward the water reclamation goal; and

(2) Plans and recommendations to advance the water reclamation goal."

SECTION 3. Chapter 196, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§196- State facilities; net-zero energy goal. (a) The department of land and natural resources shall establish a collective goal of becoming net-zero with respect to energy use, producing as much energy as the system consumes across all its facilities, by January 1, 2035.

(b) The department of land and natural resources shall establish a benchmark for the amount and value of energy consumed during the 2020-2021 fiscal year, against which it shall measure its progress toward the net-zero energy goal in subsection (a).

(c) The department of land and natural resources shall prioritize improvements that advance the net-zero energy goal in subsection (a).

(d) The department of land and natural resources shall submit an annual report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session. The annual report shall include the following information pursuant to the goal in subsection (a):

(1) Overall progress toward the net-zero energy goal; and

(2) Plans and recommendations to advance the net-zero energy goal."

SECTION 4. Chapter 601, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§601- State facilities; net-zero energy goal. (a) The judiciary shall establish a collective goal of becoming net-zero with respect to energy use, producing as much energy as the system consumes across all its facilities, by January 1, 2035.

(b) The judiciary shall establish a benchmark for the amount and value of energy consumed during the 2020-2021 fiscal year, against which it shall measure its progress toward the net-zero energy goal in subsection (a).

(d) The judiciary shall submit an annual report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session. The annual report shall include the following information pursuant to the goal in subsection (a):

(1) Overall progress toward the net-zero energy goal; and

(2) Plans and recommendations to advance the net-zero energy goal.

§601- State facilities; one hundred per cent water reclamation goal. (a) Pursuant to section 174C-31(g)(6), the judiciary shall establish a collective goal of reclaiming water for uses other than drinking and for potable water needs in one hundred per cent of its facilities by December 31, 2045.

(b) The judiciary shall establish a benchmark for the amount and value of water consumed during the 2020-2021 fiscal year, against which it shall measure its progress toward the water reclamation goal in subsection (a).

(1) Overall progress toward the water reclamation goal; and

(2) Plans and recommendations to advance the water reclamation goal."

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2704
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII