www.pmmag.com/articles/92201-hawaii-first-state-to-require-solar-water-heaters-in-new-homes

Hawaii First State To Require Solar Water Heaters In New Homes

August 2, 2008
Hawaii governor Linda Lingle signed a bill into law June 26 that requires the installation of solar water heating systems in homes starting in 2010.

Hawaii governor Linda Lingle signed a bill into law June 26 that requires the installation of solar water heating systems in homes starting in 2010. The new law prohibits issuing building permits for single-family homes that do not have solar water heaters.

State Sen. Gary Hooser (D-Kauai-Niihau) first introduced the measure five years ago when he said a barrel of oil cost just $40. Since then, the cost of oil has more than tripled.

Hooser stated both the environment and the economy would benefit. ā€œI’m hoping this will start a trend nationwide,ā€ he told the Associated Press.