HI HB560

Requires University of Hawaii community colleges to establish and administer energy systems and technology training courses for county officers and employees responsible for permitting, inspecting, licensing, and approving energy projects.

Training courses shall cover new innovations in energy systems (such as distributed electricity technologies), compliance with building and fire codes, and other standards relevant to renewable energy systems and energy storage.

University of Hawaii community colleges must notify county departments (public works, planning and permitting, fire departments) about available courses and provide training at no cost to participants or for a refundable fee.

Establishes an advisory committee composed of industry stakeholders from distributed energy systems providers and county representatives to guide training content, equipment needs, and outreach efforts.

Appropriates $130,000 from the energy security special fund for fiscal year 2019-2020 to the community colleges special fund for program implementation, effective July 1, 2019.