Of all the steps we will take toward honoring our commitment to a sustainable Hawai'i, installing solar water heaters in new construction is without doubt the easiest, most effective and smartest move we can make.

The federal government recently acknowledged the importance of solar energy by requiring new military housing in Hawai'i to include solar hot water panels. If the concept was applied to all single-family detached residential construction, Hawai'i would dramatically lower its dependence on foreign oil by roughly 30,780 barrels annually, for an average savings of nearly 5 1/2 barrels per year, per household.

Moreover, while the price of oil hovers around $100 per barrel and threatens to move higher, sunlight is unlimited and free.

The numbers reveal an immediate and long-lasting impact. Using a solar water heater, a typical family of four will save almost $50 each month over the cost of an electric heater. Multiply that nearly $600 a year by the 5,700 new homes built annually, and Hawai'i realizes a savings of approximately $3.3 million each year. After only 10 years, the annual savings could grow to $33.3 million, an amount that would continue to increase every year.

While the vast majority of legislative initiatives this year will cost the state money, requiring solar water heaters in new home construction would have no negative impact on the state budget. Instead, businesses built around the manufacturing and installation of solar heating systems would create new jobs and increase local spending, circulating more money in our economy and generating additional state tax revenues.

Needless to say, solar energy also benefits the environment. Cleaner air and lower carbon emissions are huge and obvious benefits. Analysts estimate that an average four-person household with a conventional electric water heater consumes about 6,400 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, releasing eight tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year. That's almost double the amount of CO2 emitted by an average car.

Solar-powered hot water heaters release no harmful emissions whatsoever. Also, while modern technology ensures that solar water heaters operate effectively in every type of weather, Hawai'i's location is ideal for taking full advantage of the sun's energy.

Opponents will argue that installing solar water heaters increases the cost of housing. While technically true, the minimal increase in construction costs is far outweighed by the significant reduction in energy costs. Also, rather than paying for a retrofit in later years, installing a solar hot water system when a home is first being designed and built is without question the most affordable option.

Some opponents have lobbied against similar proposals in the past, arguing that "quality control" could be compromised. Others have testified in general opposition of "government mandates." While those objections deserve thorough examination and appropriate consideration, they do not rise to a level that should prevent this legislation from passing into law.

Installing solar hot water heaters in new single family homes just makes sense. Countries like China, India and Israel already mandate the use of solar water heating systems. As Americans, we all value our autonomy and bristle at restrictions on choice. Nevertheless, Hawai'i has the opportunity to lead our nation in increasing solar power's presence and decreasing our dependence on foreign oil.

The abundant sunshine that helps make Hawai'i such a wonderful place to live also provides a source of renewable and readily-available energy. Solar water heating is an economical, proven technology with tangible benefits both today and into the future. Installing solar water heaters in all new residential construction would immediately provide undeniable public benefits and significantly reduce waste. In the alternative, every barrel of oil we burn to generate the electricity it takes to power electric heaters represents a potential environmental debt that we impose on future generations.

If we have the determination and the courage to make this commitment, we will face an opportunity for a fundamental transformation in Hawai'i. For me, this is a virtual no-brainer.

Sen. Gary Hooser represents the 7th Senatorial District (Kaua'i, Ni'ihau) and is the Senate majority leader. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.