HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2971

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to renewable energy facility siting process.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  Section 201N-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§201N-3[]]  General duties of the coordinator.  The coordinator shall:

     (1)  Consult with appropriate state and county agencies to develop and establish a permit plan application format and procedure designed to ensure a timely review to obtain required permits and approvals for renewable energy facilities;

     (2)  Receive a permit plan application, in a form as the coordinator shall prescribe, from an applicant for the approval of the siting, development, construction, and operation of a renewable energy facility, with an appropriate initial application fee as determined by the coordinator;

     (3)  Identify all state and county permits necessary for approval of the renewable energy facility;

     (4)  Assist in the permit plan application process by coordinating permitting processes, giving technical assistance, overseeing the creation of the permit plan, and providing general oversight to facilitate the timely review and permitting of the siting of a renewable energy facility;

     (5)  Gather from the applicant any information the coordinator finds relevant and necessary for the reviewing and processing of a permit application by the federal, state, and county agencies;

     (6)  Coordinate public meetings on the island where a renewable energy facility is proposed to be developed to:

         (A)  Allow members of the affected communities to provide input regarding the development of the renewable energy facility;

         (B)  Promote public awareness of the plan for the renewable energy facility in the proposed area; and

         (C)  Allow the coordinator, the applicant, and any applicable agency to gain public sentiment and input regarding the proposed development of the renewable energy facility, and incorporate the public sentiment and input into the planning of the proposed renewable energy facility; and

     (7)  Work with the federal, state, and county agencies and the applicant and representatives from the island where a renewable energy facility is proposed to be developed to determine the terms and conditions of the permit plan and permits and community benefits agreements that are necessary to effectuate this chapter and to protect the public health and safety and promote the general welfare."

     SECTION 2.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

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

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Renewable Energy Facility Siting;

 

Description:

Requires the energy resources coordinate to include representatives from the island where a renewable energy facility is proposed to be included in determining terms and conditions of permit plan.  Adds community benefits agreements as subject to determination by government agencies, applicant, and residents.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.