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
This resolution comes in response to the alarming statistics on homelessness in Hawaii, particularly in urban areas like Oahu where a significant percentage of the homeless population is unsheltered. By encouraging solar farms to accommodate housing units, proponents suggest this could effectively address dual issues: increasing access to affordable housing while promoting renewable energy initiatives. The expected impact includes reducing energy costs for residents and creating a synergy between agricultural production and housing needs.
Summary
Senate Resolution 52 urges the Public Utilities Commission, Hawaii State Energy Office, and county governments to allow for innovative housing solutions through solar farms. The core idea is to elevate solar panels to create housing units beneath them, targeting the ongoing and severe homelessness crisis faced by the state. With over 5,900 homeless individuals recorded in Hawaii in 2022, this resolution seeks to integrate renewable energy solutions with homelessness aid, which proponents argue could provide self-sufficiency and sustainability for low-income residents and those facing housing instability.
Contention
While the bill aims for a harmonious solution, there is potential contention surrounding the overlaps between land use for solar farms and the pressing need for low-income housing. Discussions may arise around the ownership and management of elevated housing structures within solar farm sites, as well as concerns raised by local communities about prioritizing ecological preservation versus housing development initiatives. Furthermore, opposition to solar farm development often stems from conflicts with residential needs that could complicate the implementation of this resolution.
Same As
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.
Encouraging The State, Public Utilities Commission, And Hawaiian Electric Company To Make All Future Solar Projects In The State Community Solar Projects.
Encouraging The State, Public Utilities Commission, And Hawaiian Electric Company To Make All Future Solar Projects In The State Community Solar Projects.
Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Respond To Hawaiian Electric's Request To Suspend, Deprioritize, And Delay The Commencement Of Community-based Renewable Energy Projects Through Phase 2, Tranche 2 Of The Community-based Renewable Energy Program And Order Hawaiian Electric To Continue To Deploy And Pursue Community-based Renewable Energy Projects Based Upon The Public Utilities Commission's Findings.
Urging The Public Utilities Commission To Honor And Comply With Its Statutory Duty To Investigate The Causes Of The August 2023 Maui Wildfires As Required By Section 269-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Respond To Hawaiian Electric's Request To Suspend, Deprioritize, And Delay The Commencement Of Community-based Renewable Energy Projects Through Phase 2, Tranche 2 Of The Community-based Renewable Energy Program And Order Hawaiian Electric To Continue To Deploy And Pursue Community-based Renewable Energy Projects Based Upon The Public Utilities Commission's Findings.
Urging The Public Utilities Commission To Honor And Comply With Its Statutory Duty To Investigate The Causes Of The August 2023 Maui Wildfires As Required By Section 269-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Urging The Statewide Office On Homelessness And Housing Solutions To Contract With A Local Nonprofit To Provide Regular Care And Services To Individuals Experiencing Homelessness In Central Oahu.
Urging The Statewide Office On Homelessness And Housing Solutions To Contract With A Local Nonprofit To Provide Regular Care And Services To Individuals Experiencing Homelessness In Central Oahu.