SB 409: RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

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 ultraviolet (UV) rays present in sunlight pose a threat to the wellbeing of Hawaii's people.  Long-term exposure to UV rays play a significant role in the development of sunburns, skin aging, and skin cancers, including malignant melanoma.  Providing protection from direct sunlight by installing shading over playgrounds would protect Hawaii's keiki and thereby benefit the overall public health of the State's residents.

     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 had an average electricity cost of 42.10 cents per kilowatt hour in 2024 compared to 31.11 cents per kilowatt hour in 2021.  Nationwide, the average electricity cost is 16.63 cents per kilowatt hour.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of education for the design and construction of photovoltaic panels over all playgrounds on department of education schools.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the design and construction of photovoltaic panels over all playgrounds on department of education schools.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

DOE; Photovoltaic Panels; Playgrounds; Appropriations

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to design and construct photovoltaic panel coverings over playgrounds at all Department of Education schools.

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