Hawaii Senate Bill SR75

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/3/24
• Passed: 4/4/24

Caption

Requesting That The Hawaii State Energy Office And Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development Develop A Plan To Implement Waste-to-energy And Other Alternative Technology Solutions.

Impact

The anticipated impact of SR75 centers on addressing the state's solid waste management and energy generation challenges. By developing a statewide waste-to-energy solution, the bill aims to reduce Hawaii's reliance on fossil fuels, thereby promoting cleaner, renewable sources of energy. The collaborative effort between the Hawaii State Energy Office and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development is expected to result in actionable strategies that will help achieve cleaner energy goals and lessen the demand for landfill space across all islands.

Summary

Senate Resolution 75 (SR75) urges the Hawaii State Energy Office and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to create a comprehensive plan for implementing waste-to-energy and other alternative technology solutions. The bill emphasizes the viability of waste-to-energy technology as a means to significantly reduce the state's solid waste that ends up in landfills while aiming to protect the drinking water supply. The resolution aligns with the ongoing operations of the H-POWER facility on Oahu, which currently processes a significant portion of the island's municipal solid waste and generates a portion of its electricity.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR75 appears to be generally positive, with support for initiatives that promote sustainability and innovative approaches to waste management. Stakeholders are likely to view waste-to-energy projects as necessary steps towards creating a more sustainable future for Hawaii. However, there may be underlying apprehensions regarding the implementation details and potential environmental impacts of waste-to-energy technologies, highlighting the need for thorough planning and public transparency.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to SR75 may arise from the balance between immediate waste management needs and the long-term environmental consequences of waste-to-energy solutions. Critics could raise concerns about emissions and other environmental effects associated with energy production from waste incineration. Therefore, careful consideration will be necessary to address these issues as the Hawaii State Energy Office drafts the implementation plan and prepares its findings.