THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1497
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023		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.

     Therefore, 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 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.

     (d)  The pilot program shall cease to exist on July 1, 2025.

     (e)  As used in this section, "clean energy technology" means any technology 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, on the application of clean energy technology within, on, or around highways facilities to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2025.

     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 implementation of the pilot program to include costs for planning, design, construction, and operations.

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

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

 

 

Report Title:

Department of Transportation; Highways Clean Energy Technology Pilot Program; Report; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes the Highways Clean Energy Technology Pilot Program within the Department of Transportation.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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