HB1377

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1377
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
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 the development, expansion, and protection of solar energy will help to meet the present and future energy needs and renewable energy mandates of the State. The legislature further finds that the use of solar and energy storage systems can make Hawaii more resilient during and after natural disasters and other crises. Because certain parts of the State are more susceptible to disruptions in power supply and transportation routes in times of crisis, ensuring that essential businesses, which are those necessary for residents to live and function, are energy self-sufficient and resilient should be a priority in order to make disaster response plans more functional, efficient, and equitable. However, one of the biggest impediments to essential businesses installing solar and energy storage systems is the time consuming and onerous permitting process.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the counties to establish an expedited streamlined permitting process for essential businesses to install rooftop solar and energy storage systems.

SECTION 2. Chapter 46, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§46- County building permits; expedited processing; rooftop solar or energy storage systems; essential businesses. (a) On or before July 15, 2024, each county, in consultation with its respective county fire department and pursuant to its powers under section 46-1.5(14), shall adopt an ordinance to establish an expedited streamlined permitting process for essential businesses to obtain the building permits necessary for the installation of rooftop solar and energy storage systems.

(b) In developing the expedited permitting process, the counties shall adopt a checklist of all requirements with which rooftop solar or energy storage systems for essential businesses shall comply to be eligible for the expedited permitting process. An application that satisfies the requirements of the adopted checklist shall be deemed complete. Upon confirmation by a county that the permit application and supporting documents are completed, meet the requirements of the checklist, and are consistent with the adopted ordinance, the county shall approve the permit application and issue all required permits or authorizations. Upon receipt of an incomplete application, a county shall issue a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

(c) The counties shall allow for electronical submittal of a permit application and associated documentation and shall authorize the electronic signature of applicants on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by an applicant.

(d) The checklist and required permitting documentation needed pursuant to subsection (b) shall be published on a publicly accessible internet website.

(e) In developing the ordinances necessary to carry out the purposes of this section, the counties shall make efforts to substantially conform their expedited, streamlined permitting processes with each other. A county may adopt an ordinance that modifies the checklist established pursuant to subsection (b) due to unique climatic, geological, seismological, or topographical conditions.

(f) For rooftop solar and energy storage systems for essential businesses that are eligible for expedited review pursuant to this section, only one inspection shall be required, which shall be done in a timely manner. If an essential business's rooftop solar or energy storage systems fails an inspection, a subsequent inspection shall be authorized; provided that the subsequent inspection need not conform to the requirements of this section."

SECTION 4. 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 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the counties to develop an expedited permitting process for the installation of rooftop solar and energy storage systems pursuant to this Act, to be distributed as follows:

County of Hawaii $ ;

City and county of Honolulu $ ;

County of Kauai $ ; and

County of Maui $ .

The sums appropriated shall be expended by each respective county for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________