WHEREAS, light pollution, more lyrically referred to as our "Honolulu City Lights", occurs when too much artificial illumination enters the night sky and reflects off of airborne water droplets and dust particles causing a condition known as "skyglow"; and

WHEREAS, light pollution occurs when: unmanaged glare emitting from improperly aimed and unshielded light fixtures causes uninvited illumination to cross property lines or shine bright light into drivers' eyes; and too much artificial illumination causes nighttime visual performance to be impaired; and

WHEREAS, too much artificial illumination at night can have very adverse effects on human health by disrupting the natural hormone production that our bodies require. For example, artificially generated light affects the pineal gland's ability to produce melatonin or the sleep hormone. Light pollution robs its victims of a good night's sleep; and

WHEREAS, too much artificial illumination can disorient endangered sea turtles. Hatchling sea turtles emerging from nests at night are strongly attracted to light sources along the beach. Consequently, hatchlings move toward streetlights, porch lights, or interior lighting visible through windows and away from the relative sanctuary of the ocean; and

WHEREAS, too much artificial illumination also affects the nesting behavior of female sea turtles. Studies have shown that brightly illuminated beaches are less frequently used as nesting sites. In addition, female turtles attempting to return to the sea after nesting, like their hatchlings, also can be led astray by nearby lighting; and

WHEREAS, electricity from excess illumination spilling into the night sky and across property lines wastes an enormous amount of energy and serves no useful purpose. In areas where electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels, this waste contributes to additional greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, which in turn contributes to global warming; and

WHEREAS, the International Dark-Sky Association estimated in 1996 that nearly $1,500,000,000 of electricity was being consumed for illumination carelessly spilled directly into the sky each year by the United States alone. Considering inflation and overhead costs since 1996, it can be conservatively assumed that this figure today exceeds $2,000,000,000 annually; and

WHEREAS, the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, as the State's Energy Resources Coordinator, is responsible for formulating comprehensive plans and specific proposals for optimum development of Hawaii's energy resources, conservation of energy, and allocation and distribution of fuels; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-Second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is requested to assess the level of light pollution in the State of Hawaii and develop a strategy for reducing the amount of electricity being consumed by excess illumination; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Accounting and General Services (with respect to state buildings), Department of Health (with respect to human health), and Department of Land and Natural Resources (with respect to the health of flora and fauna) are requested to assist the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism where possible; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is requested to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature not less than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2004; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Comptroller; Director of Health; and Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Report Title:

Light Pollution; DBEDT; Energy Conservation