Hawaii-2010-HB507-Introduced

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that many historic buildings are not able to withstand the installation of alternative or renewable energy systems using solar or wind devices due to structural or aesthetic reasons. At the same time, many of these buildings have high energy demands and rapidly rising operational cost because they need air conditioning for preservation of artifacts and other historical materials.

The purpose of this Act is to create a task force to study and recommend legislation necessary to:

(1) Permit the installation of alternative or renewable energy devices on the grounds of state historic buildings or on properties adjacent to state historic buildings; and

(2) Enable the properties adjacent to state historic buildings to provide energy to the historic buildings at rates or portions of rates that could qualify as a contribution to a charitable organization for tax purposes.

SECTION 2. There is created the historic buildings alternative energy task force which shall be attached to the department of commerce and consumer affairs for administrative purposes and which shall be comprised of eleven members to be appointed by the governor without regard to section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Task force membership shall include representatives from the following:

(1) Historic Hawaii Foundation;

(2) American Institute of Architects;

(3) University of Hawaii Sea Grant;

(4) University of Hawaii College of Engineering;

(5) Hawaiian Electric Company;

(6) Alternative and renewable energy providers;

(7) Blue Planet Foundation;

(8) The public utilities commission; and

(9) The department of business, economic development, and tourism.

The department of commerce and consumer affairs shall provide all necessary administrative, professional, technical, and clerical support to the task force.

SECTION 3. The task force shall:

(1) Determine what is necessary to remove any obstacles, challenges, or barriers to the installation of alternative or renewable energy systems using solar or wind devices on:

(A) The structures or grounds of state historic buildings necessary for them to become energy efficient; or

(B) Properties adjacent to state historic buildings to generate power for the state historic buildings; and

(2) To recommend changes to the state tax code to permit state historic buildings to be classified as tax-exempt entities so that properties with alternative or renewable energy devices may sell excess energy to adjacent historic buildings at a less-than-market rate and claim the difference between the sale price and existing market rates as a tax deductible charitable contribution by the seller.

SECTION 4. The task force shall submit a report of its initial findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2010. The task force shall submit a final report, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2011.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	507
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII