New Solar Energy fees by Director of business, economic development, tourism?

Yesterday I went to my Real Estate continuing education class to learn about the new changes to Hawaii laws that just passed July 1st. There was one that was quite shocking and disturbing. Read and see if you agree.


SOLAR ENERGY: ENERGY EFFICIENCY- SB 2563 SD 1 HD 2 CD 1

HCEI; Solar Water Heater Systems; Alternate Fuels Standards

Description:
Authorizes the director of business, economic development, and tourism to impose and collect fees for the administration of the solar water heater system variances. Sets the goal of using alternative fuels to meet 30 per cent of highway fuel demand by2030. (CD1)

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2563

Requires the Director of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) to IMPOSE and COLLECT FEES for ADMINISTRATION OF THE SOLAR WATER HEATER SYSTEM FOR NEW RESIDENCES PROGRAM, deposit those fees into an energy security special fund and set goals for using alternative fuels to meet 30% of highway fuel demand by 2030. The proposed effective date is July 1, 2010.

This measure will assist DBEDT with administering the program requiring solar water heater systems for new single-family residences. Permitting the department to impose and collect fees to cover the cost of the variance application process will support the program and significantly enhance the effectiveness of the statewide strategy to promote renewable energy, particularly with respect to residential solar water heater systems, which are a major component I the strategy.

Also, the legislature found that to achieve the 2030 goal of 30% alternate fuel standards requires the State to facilitate the development and support attainment of a statewide alternate fuel standard of 10% of highway fuel by 2010, 15% by 2015, and 20% by 2020.

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Am I missing something here or are we trying to discourage people from building solar??? The DBEDT is going to build MONEY for alternative fuel demand on the backs of the new home owners? I thought we wanted to encourage ALL to get solar and use less fuel. But apparently not if they are going to charge fees for building solar!

Currently Hawaii Island have 65% oil and the rest in alternative energies, wind, solar, etc… but the residents of the Big Island are not receiving any break regardless of where or how the energy is produced. We are paying as though we are importing every dime from the middle east. Hawaii is now encouraging people to go and build somewhere else that wants your business. Because our law makers are only about saddeling the public with new fees rather than looking for ways to increase our alternative fuel usage. God Help us.