So it looks like there’s ONE smart state out there.

HONOLULU - All new homes in Hawaii will be required to have solar water heaters installed starting in 2010 under a law approved by the Legislature.

Hawaii becomes the first state requiring the energy-saving systems in homes.

Solar water heaters typically cost home buyers about $5,000 extra on their mortgage, but island residents will save thousands of dollars over the years on their electricity bills, supporters said.

Why did they do this? I LOVE Representative Hermina Morita’s answer:

“We owe to our children and grandchildren the promise of a clean and renewable energy future,” said Rep. Hermina Morita, chairwoman of the House Energy Committee. “A solar water heater mandate in new home construction … will result in greater public benefits to everyone at large.”

Oh yes, and it SAVES MONEY.

Solar water heaters reduce residents’ electricity costs between 30 percent and 35 percent — up to $150 per month for a family of four on Kauai, said Morita, D-Hanalei-Kapaa. With those kind of savings, their initial expense is usually paid off in three to four-and-a-half years.

AND it’s the responsible thing to do.

Lawmakers described a government requirement for solar water heaters as a way to protect the environment, reduce Hawaii’s heavy reliance on foreign energy sources and save money.

So let this be a message to the 49 feet draggers out there.

“There are significant and quantifiable environmental benefits, energy security benefits and economic development benefits,” said Sen. Gary Hooser, D-Kauai-Niihau. “This measure lowers the net cost of home ownership and will cost nothing in terms of the state budget to implement.”

Source