SB2302 Summary

• Establishes a dark skies protection advisory committee within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop a statewide strategy for reducing light pollution.

• Committee membership includes representatives from state agencies (DBEDT, comptroller, health, transportation, land and natural resources), county mayors, University of Hawaii, Hawaiian Astronomical Society, Institute for Astronomy, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and a lighting engineer.

• Requires development of a comprehensive dark skies protection strategy addressing intelligent lighting systems, ecotourism, educational programs, and light pollution monitoring, with focus on protecting astronomical observations from Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Haleakala.

• Directs the department to develop proposed legislation addressing outdoor lighting requirements, energy conservation, protective lighting standards, and measures to eliminate light trespass and obtrusive light sources.

• Requires annual reports to the legislature prior to each regular session with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation for light pollution reduction and control.