Hawaii Senate Bill SCR58

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/23
• Refer: 3/10/23

Caption

Urging The Public Utilities Commission, Hawaii State Energy Office, And The Counties To Allow Solar Farms To Elevate Solar Panels To Create Housing Units Beneath Them To Help Address The Homeless Crisis.

Impact

The resolution suggests that integrating housing constructs into solar farms could serve to combat homelessness while simultaneously promoting the use of renewable energy. By allowing for housing developments beneath solar panels, stakeholders could utilize existing land for dual purposes, addressing the pressing need for low-income housing while leveraging solar energy to reduce utility costs. This would potentially create a sustainable model that benefits both the community and the environment.

Summary

SCR58 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii, urging the Public Utilities Commission, Hawaii State Energy Office, and county governments to elevate solar panels on solar farms to create additional housing units beneath them. This initiative aims to address the ongoing homelessness crisis in Hawaii, which reflects significant social challenges, particularly with nearly 6,000 homeless individuals statewide as of 2022. The bill highlights the potential of innovative housing solutions integrated with sustainable energy practices.

Contention

Despite its innovative approach, SCR58 acknowledges that the current opposition to solar farm developments often stems from conflicts regarding land use and the pressing demands for low-income housing solutions. The proposed resolution seeks to resolve these concerns by suggesting a compromise that balances solar energy initiatives with the necessity of providing affordable housing options. The resolution aims to promote collaboration among key stakeholders, including local government and community organizations involved in both housing and energy sectors, to create a more cohesive strategy towards addressing homelessness.