THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

653

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

Relating to natural energy laboratory of hawaii authority.

 

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that since its inception in 1974, the natural energy laboratory of Hawaii authority and its administration of Hawaii ocean science and technology (HOST) park is well on track to fulfilling its mission as an substantial engine for environmentally sustainable economic development in Hawaii.  HOST park has become the world's premier ocean science innovation hub and operates at the nexus of water, energy and food, with a state annual economic impact of $150,000,000 and the creation of over six hundred jobs statewide.

     The legislature further finds that the laboratory's original mission for research into the uses of deep ocean water in ocean thermal energy conversion renewable energy production has since expanded widely into other areas of sustainability research such as aquaculture, algae biofuel, solar thermal energy, solar concentrating, and wind power, among others.

     The purpose of this Act is to further support and invest into the successes of the natural energy laboratory of Hawaii authority by appropriating funds and thereby enhancing its operational capacity over the long term.

     SECTION 2.  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 continued operation and improvement of the natural energy laboratory of Hawaii authority.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

NELHA; Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority; HOST park; Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology Park; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to improve and maintain the NELHA in its mission to develop and diversify the Hawaii economy by providing resources and facilities for energy and ocean-related research, education, and commercial activities in an environmentally sound and culturally sensitive manner.

 

 

 

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