I think everyone should have the webpage www.treehoo.com as their computers default homepage. This web plants trees for most of the profit, to fight global warming and climate change. Imagine all the billions of internet ad revenues invested in our poor planets environment!

Thanks to Ms. Lingle for finally jumping on the green bandwagon!

What's not so cool is that this staunch republican has kept Hawaii at Place 38 of all US states in terms of renewable energy development - all while the availability of such resources, Tidal, Geothermal, Wind, etc. could easily put Hawaii into Slot # 2 (without even considering Solar).

Read this sad news less than 3 months ago in the Hwaii Island Journal.

Guess that's why I am voting smog-free - liberal!!

Bravo. This will also have the added side-benefit of people taking shorter showers.

What? No prices on that cool looking water heater?

I just looked a "fancy" new house the other day. They had solar water heaters installed by default and optional PV panels. Overpriced with poor build quality. Otherwise, a good start.

I think this is a good idea, I live in Hawaii and have a solar heater. Solar water heaters give you the fastest payback on your investment. It is a win win situation. Also houses cost so much here that adding another $5K won't be much of a burden.

What we need now is a law requiring solar water heating on all existing houses in the next 10 years.

The laws need overhauling too. My coworker is on the board at his apartment complex. They apparently don't qualify for the residential solar discount, b/c they're too large and are considered "commercial." So, they're still trying to figure out how to get solar up without paying full price.

"70% clean energy in Hawaii by 2030."
Now there is a goal I can applaud. I wonder if it just means grid power mix, or if it includes transportation, too? Not that I expect those to be different in 2030. Also, I wonder if clean means carbon free (which would include nuclear) or dangerous-waste-free (which might not). Either way, I'm equally for it. It is a much more stringent goal than anyone else in the states has, as far as I am aware, yet still completely achievable.

I also agree with an exemption for existing houses. It is unreasonable to constantly throw additional expenses at people that they have no choice but to pay, and such a measure would set a precedent to do the same with home solar, wind, geothermal heat exchange, etc. We should encourage voluntary adoption of such systems, with various incentives, but not require it.

I would have liked to see the requirement kick in whenever extensive remodeling or renovation is done, however.

Let the Fascism begin....

Solar heaters are very useful for every one's homes in winter and rainy seasons. It is cheap and best instrument for heat the water. Thank you for giving this useful information.

Anthony has it right. New roofs with solar exposure should have it & major roof rebuilds.

The average winter temperature in Hawaii is 78º in the shade and the DOE says 120° water is recommended so that's a trivial lift considering that solar heat pipes work even in the Canadian winter.

Places like Vegas & Phoenix have to mix down the temperature because we get so much sun. The systems also help shade your roof from the sun helping your A/C.

everyone please read 9-28 -08 Honolulu advertiser article title Solar Mandate a legislative horror show by Jay Fidell this act will destroy the solar industry in Hawaii ! it terminates solar tax credits , HECO rebates ends 100 point solar quality control for buyers and allows gas water heaters that run on synthetic natural gas made from oil ! this law must be repealed or remove gas exception and keep credits , rebates and inspections in place act 204 looks like it was written by big oil hiding behind a buzzword solar water heater mandate ! this act is insane ! all solar water co in Hawaii were against this act !