Hawaii requires solar water heaters on new homes
By Associated Press
Gov. Linda Lingle has signed a bill into law, requiring the energy-saving systems in homes starting in 2010.
Lingle says the legislation is another important step in the long-term plan for energy independence in Hawaii, which relies on imported fossil fuels more than any other state.
The new law prohibits issuing building permits for single-family homes that do not have solar water heaters. Some exceptions will be allowed, such as forested areas where there are low rates of sunshine.
Opponents of the law have argued that the requirement will unfairly drive up prices of homes in Hawaii, where a modest home costs $600,000.
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/21827974.html
Replies
rez
"drive up the prices of homes" It's called a vacation tax.. To live in that land of paradise you must pay the vacation tax and if that means that it drives up the price of modest sized homes, so be it.. the Japaneses are happy to pay that tax..