HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

419

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to RESIDENTIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEMS.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  Chapter 46, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§46-     Off-grid residential photovoltaic energy generating system installation; exemption from county permit requirements.  (a)  Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, each county shall exempt from county permitting requirements the installation of off-grid residential photovoltaic energy generating systems on the rooftops of residential properties if the installation complies with all other applicable state and county building and zoning code requirements.

     (b)  Neither the State nor any county shall be liable for claims arising from the installation of an off-grid residential photovoltaic energy generating system exempt from county permitting requirements pursuant to subsection (a), unless the claim arises out of gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the State or county.

     (c)  No off-grid residential photovoltaic energy generating system that receives an exemption under this section shall be eligible for interconnection to the Hawaii electric system for the entire duration of its operation.

     (d)  For the purposes of this section:

     "Hawaii electric system" has the same meaning as in section 269-141.

     "Off-grid residential photovoltaic energy generating system" means any identifiable facility, equipment, apparatus, or the like that utilizes electricity-generating modules mounted on the rooftop of a residential property; converts solar energy to useful electrical energy for heating, cooling, or reducing the use of other types of energy that are dependent upon fossil fuel for the generation of electricity; and is not connected to the Hawaii electric system.

     "Residential property" has the same meaning as in section 667-1."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Counties; Off-grid Residential Photovoltaic Energy Generating System; Rooftop; Permit; Exemption

 

Description:

Requires the counties to exempt from county permitting requirements the installation of off-grid residential photovoltaic energy generating systems on the rooftops of residential properties under certain circumstances.

 

 

 

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