(BIVN) – A Bill that would limit industrial-scale solar development in residential subdivisions – like the proposed project that created controversy in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates – is moving through the state legislature this year.

Ka’u representative Richard Creagan introduced House Bill 2665. The bill requires special permit approval for solar energy facilities larger than fifteen kilowatts on one or more lots in non-conforming residential subdivisions.

HB2665 HD1: RELATING TO SOLAR ENERGY.

Requires special permit approval for solar energy facilities larger than fifteen kilowatts on one or more lots in non-conforming residential subdivisions, which have been identified by the county, located on land with soil classified with an overall productivity rating of class D or E. (HB2665 HD1)

Introducer(s): CREAGAN, BROWER, CACHOLA, EVANS, MCKELVEY, OHNO, THIELEN, Ito, Learmont, McDermott, Nakamura, Onishi, San Buenaventura, Say, Takayama