THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2777

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO HIGHWAYS.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that there is an opportunity to generate renewable energy using lands in the state highways rights-of-way.  Other jurisdictions across the country have successfully and safely deployed solar power by installing solar panels in shoulders and medians.  Green energy initiatives can contribute to the achievement of the State's clean energy goals while achieving energy security and resilience in rural communities.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish within the department of transportation, a highways clean energy technology pilot program.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the department of transportation a highways clean energy technology pilot program.

     (b)  The pilot program shall determine clean energy technology projects, in compliance with federal Highways Administration requirements and regulations, that may be installed on any state road or property owned by the department of transportation on the island of Molokai.

     (c)  The department of transportation shall determine the type of clean energy technology to install within, on, or around its highways facilities on the island of Molokai.

     (d)  The department of transportation shall plan, design, construct, and operate the clean energy technologies to be installed on state roads and within, on, or around its highway facility on the island of Molokai.

     (e)  The pilot program shall cease to exist on July 1, 2026.

     (f)  As used in this section, "clean energy technology" has the same meaning as defined in section 269-121(b), Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 3.  The department of transportation shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, relating to the highway clean energy technology pilot program to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     SECTION 4.  In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent.  This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only.  The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

     (1)  The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

     (2)  The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

     SECTION 5.  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 2024-2025 for the implementation of the pilot program including costs for planning, design, construction, and operations of the clean energy technologies.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

 

 

 

Report Title:

DOT; Highways Clean Energy Technology Pilot Program; Molokai; Report; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes the Highways Clean Energy Technology Pilot Program within the Department of Transportation.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded.  Makes an appropriation. (SD1)

 

 

 

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