Posted: Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 9:26 AM HST New homes in Hawaii must have solar water heaters By Associated Press HONOLULU (AP) — With the new year, Hawaii has become the first state requiring solar water heaters in new homes. Legislation signed by Gov. Linda Lingle in 2008 requires the energy-saving systems installed in homes starting in 2010. Environmentalist Jeff Mikulina says the policy will define Hawaii's clean energy future. The executive director of the Blue Planet Foundation says the law will bring the benefit of free sunshine to new homeowners across the islands. The new law prohibits issuing building permits for single-family homes that do not have solar water heaters. Some exceptions are allowed, such as forested areas with little sunshine. Hawaii relies on imported fossil fuels more than any other state, with about 90 percent of its energy sources coming from foreign countries. (Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved) To subscribe or visit go to:  http://www.kpua.net