Hawaii Senate Bill SR52

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

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.