HI SB964

Authorizes the Hawaii State Energy Office to establish public-private partnerships to develop waste-to-energy generating facilities in counties with populations below 800,000.

Amends Section 196-71 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to add waste-to-energy facility development as a discretionary power of the Hawaii State Energy Office.

Maintains existing mandatory duties of the Hawaii State Energy Office including providing energy analysis, leading public facility efficiency efforts, facilitating renewable energy projects, and engaging the private sector on clean energy goals.

Legislation is based on findings that waste-to-energy facilities reduce solid waste streams while generating renewable energy, noting that 76 such facilities nationally process 94,000 tons of waste daily and power approximately 2,300,000 homes.

Takes effect upon approval.