Legislative Session Update - Governor's Actions
This week, Governor Linda Lingle signed a bill that makes Hawai`i the first state in the nation to require the installation of solar water heating systems on new single-family homes as well as a bill that will allow the state to move forward on critical improvements to the State's harbors as part of the Harbors Modernization Plan. The Governor also submitted to the Legislature a list of bills she is considering vetoing, and continued to encourage the public to provide input on the measures.
Bill Signed to Increase Solar Energy
Solar panels at the Halsey Terrace Community Center.
Governor Lingle signed into law a bill to increase the use of one of Hawai`i's most abundant renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on imported oil.
With the Governor's signature, Hawai`i becomes the first state in the nation to require the installation of solar water heating systems on new single-family homes.
"This solar power legislation is another important step in our long-term plan for energy independence in Hawai`i," said Governor Lingle. "In addition to solar, it is critical that we continue to develop innovative energy solutions that capitalize on our natural renewable resource advantages in order to achieve our goal of having 70 percent clean energy in Hawai`i by 2030."
The measure, SB644 SD3 HD3 CD1, prohibits the issuing of building permits for single-family homes that do not have solar water heaters starting January 1, 2010. Exceptions will be allowed in cases where homes are built in locations with low rates of sunshine such as forested areas, where the life cycle analysis of the solar system proves to be cost-prohibitive, or if the dwelling uses a substitute renewable energy source.
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Harbors Modernization Plan Advances
Governor Lingle signs SB3227 during a bill signing ceremony at Maui's Kahului Harbor.
Governor Lingle signed a bill that allows the State to move forward on the statewide Harbors Modernization Plan. The upgrades will address long-overdue improvements to accommodate projected increases in the ocean transportation of cargo and passengers in Hawai`i through 2030.
"This historic investment to modernize and expand our state's harbors recognizes the critical role our commercial harbors play in the state’s economic well-being," said Governor Lingle. "The upgrading of these ports is aimed at assuring the operational efficiency of these facilities to accommodate future population growth and economic expansion."
The Department of Transportation worked in partnership with the Hawai`i Harbors Users Group, the Legislature and counties to develop the comprehensive, system-wide harbors modernization plan, which includes harbor infrastructure improvements to Kahului and Hana Harbors on Maui; Nawiliwili on Kaua`i; Hilo and Kawaihae Harbors on the Big Island; and Honolulu and Kalaeloa Harbors on O`ahu.
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Governor Submits Potential Veto List to Legislature
Governor Lingle is encouraging Hawai`i residents, businesses, industry and professional associations, nonprofit groups, and community organizations statewide to submit comments on 52 bills that she is considering for potential vetoes.
As required by statute, the Governor notified the Legislature of the bills she is considering vetoing. Any bill on the potential veto list can still be signed by the Governor or allowed to become law without her signature.
The 52 bills are being considered for potential veto due to various factors including significant negative impacts on the public, budgetary implications, legal or constitutional concerns, potential unintended consequences, micromanagement of department operations and usurping the executive branch’s authority.
Governor Lingle pointed out that a number of bills on the list contain good programs; however, due to the State’s fiscal outlook and the fiscal impacts the programs would have on the State’s budget, she does not believe it would be prudent to implement them at this time.
The deadline to veto bills is July 8. Any bills not vetoed or signed by this date will automatically become law.
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