Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu
Written Remarks
House Bill 2503
Agricultural-Energy Facilities
March 4, 2008
I rise in support.
This bill would allow agricultural-energy facilities on agricultural land use districts provided that the primary activity of the agricultural-energy enterprise is agricultural activity. “Agricultural-energy facility” means a facility that generates, stores, or distributes renewable energy or renewable fuel including electrical or thermal energy or liquid or gaseous fuels from products of agricultural activities from agricultural lands located in the state.
It is important that we increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy resources to increase Hawaii's energy self-sufficiency so that we can achieve broad societal benefits, including increased energy security, resistance to increases in oil prices, environmental sustainability, economic development, and job creation. To shape Hawaii's energy and agricultural future and achieve the goal of energy and food self-sufficiency for the state, our efforts must continue on all fronts, integrating new and evolving technologies, seizing upon opportunities to become more economically diversified, and providing incentives and assistance to support agriculture and renewable energy.
Thank you.
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 