SB1185

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Act 97, Session Laws of Hawaii 2015, established the renewable portfolio standards target of one hundred per cent renewable electric energy by 2045. The legislature also passed Act 15, Session Laws of Hawaii 2018, establishing a statewide zero emissions clean economy target to sequester more atmospheric carbon and greenhouse gases than emitted within the State as quickly as practicable, but no later than 2045.

The legislature further finds that to move the State closer to its carbon negative target as soon as possible, which is needed to mitigate the damaging effects of projected sea level rise due to greenhouse gas emissions, the completion of renewable energy generation and storage projects that promote the viability of the food supply chain and ultimately all people of the State in the event of an extreme weather event is of paramount importance for the health and safety of all people.

The legislature recognizes that the State has a long way to go to ensure food security and resilience for local communities. To ensure that the food supply chain can keep people alive in the event of a natural disaster, a disaster which becomes more and more likely as the effects of climate change continue to increase extreme weather events, it is imperative to increase access to renewable energy generation and storage for the food supply chain. Building a climate and food resilient future begins with prioritizing the viability of the food supply chain and ensuring access to renewable energy generation and storage to ensure human survival.

The legislature further 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 recognizes the importance of addressing energy usage in essential industries to make progress on State and national greenhouse reduction goals. Essential industries are those that are necessary for the State's residents to live and function. These industries have certain energy demands that must be met in order for the State to function. If these energy demands can be met more sustainably, then the entire state becomes more sustainable.

The legislature further finds that the use of renewable energy sources, including solar energy and battery storage systems, can make the State more resilient during and after natural disasters and other crisis. 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 are energy self-sufficient and resilient should be a priority in order to make disaster response plans more functional, efficient, and equitable in case of a natural disaster or other crisis.

The legislature further finds that one of the biggest impediments to essential food supply chain businesses installing solar and battery storage energy systems is the time consuming and onerous permitting process.

The purpose of this Act is to:

(1) Exempt food supply chain businesses from permit or zoning requirements necessary for the installation of a renewable energy technology system or renewable energy storage system; and

(2) Allow food supply chain businesses to self-certify through licensed contractors for renewable energy technology systems and renewable energy storage systems used for its operations.

SECTION 2. Chapter 196, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§196- Food supply chain businesses; renewable energy systems; exemption. (a) A food supply chain business shall be exempt from all permit and zoning requirements necessary for the installation of a renewable energy technology system or renewable energy storage system.

(b) A food supply chain business shall be allowed to self-certify through licensed contractors for renewable energy technology systems and renewable energy storage systems used for its operations.

(d) For the purposes of this section:

"Food supply chain business" means any person who is engaged in the business of growing, storing, distributing, transporting, donating, or retailing food in the State.

"Renewable energy storage system" means a system that enables energy generated by a renewable energy technology system to be captured and stored when available and released when needed.

"Renewable energy technology system" shall have the same meaning as in section 235-12.5."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1185
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII