12-22-2009, 08:09 AM
Eight, one could also argue that the mandate for solar water heaters will make the price come down - suppliers had long lead time before the mandate so they knew to stock up. More demand for the product will increase competition, builder familiarity with installation, etc... and therefore drive down the cost. Having said that, I do realize that in Hawaii many laws of economics do not apply 
As for gov't mandates, I'm Ok with them when they are clearly are in the public interest (aren't you glad everyone has to have car insurance, for example...). The water heater change is just like any other building code requirement, and if it reduces pollution and energy consumption, that's a good thing in my opinion.
As for gov't mandates, I'm Ok with them when they are clearly are in the public interest (aren't you glad everyone has to have car insurance, for example...). The water heater change is just like any other building code requirement, and if it reduces pollution and energy consumption, that's a good thing in my opinion.