HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

896

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that over-exposure to ultraviolet rays present in sunlight poses a threat to the health of Hawaii's children.  Playing outdoors when the ultraviolet index is high can cause sunburns; increase risks of skin cancers later in life, including malignant melanoma; and can heat playground surfaces and equipment to dangerous temperatures that can cause burns.  In addition, on days where temperatures and humidity are high, there is a risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses that would be lessened if more shaded areas were available on Hawaii's public school playgrounds.

     The legislature further finds that rising energy costs across the State have led to increased spending for utilities.  According to the Energy Information Administration, the State's average electricity cost increased from 31.11 cents per kilowatt hour in 2021 to 42.15 cents per kilowatt hour in 2022, more than three times the national average.  The legislature also finds that taxpayers would be well-served by department of education investments in renewable energy systems on their facilities to lower utility bills and that the issue of ultraviolet exposure could also be addressed by putting shade structures over outdoor play areas, which could double as surfaces upon which renewable energy systems can be installed.  The legislature notes that there is funding available in the Inflation Reduction Act, which has provisions to allow direct payments to tax-exempt entities, including states, cities, and public schools, to cover up to thirty per cent of a solar project's cost.

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of education to:

     (1)  Assess its facilities and provide the legislature with a list of priority facilities in each county at which the installation of renewable energy systems on the school facilities would provide the most benefit;

     (2)  Provide a list of priority play areas on school campuses in each county that are most in need of covered play areas to protect children from over-exposure to heat and ultraviolet rays;

     (3)  Assess and report on the feasibility of including renewable energy systems on play area covers on school campuses; and

     (4)  Submit a report to the legislature.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of education shall:

     (1)  Assess its facilities and provide the legislature with a list of priority facilities in each county at which the installation of renewable energy systems, including battery storage, on school facilities would provide the most benefit, including costs associated with and timelines for the completion of the installations;

     (2)  Provide a list of priority play areas on school campuses in each county that are most in need of covered play areas to protect children from over-exposure to heat and ultraviolet rays, based on data including average and highest temperatures, ultraviolet index ratings, and days without cloud cover in an area; and

     (3)  Assess and report on the feasibility of including renewable energy systems on play area covers on school campuses.

     (b)  The department of education shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2024.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on June 30, 3000.

 


 


 

Report Title:

Department of Education; Photovoltaic Panels; Playgrounds

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Education to assess its facilities and provide the legislature with a list of priority facilities in each county at which the installation of renewable energy systems on school facilities would provide the most benefit, provide a list of priority play areas on school campuses in each county that are most in need of covered play areas to protect children from over-exposure to heat and ultraviolet rays, and assess and report on the feasibility of including renewable energy systems on play area covers on school campuses.  Requires a report to the legislature.  Effective 6/30/3000.  (HD1)

 

 

 

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