Bill > SB1197

This bill establishes a new system for permitting geothermal resources development in Hawaii, aiming to create a framework for regulation based on past practices and current considerations. Key provisions include the creation of a geothermal resources development permit process, which will be handled by county authorities for urban, rural, and agricultural districts, the board of land and natural resources for conservation districts, and the Hawaiian homes commission for Hawaiian home lands, all requiring a thorough environmental review and public hearing. Importantly, the bill explicitly prohibits hydraulic fracturing, a technique sometimes used in energy extraction. It also appropriates funds to the county of Hawaii to help administer these new permitting processes, reflecting a recognition of the county's role and past involvement in geothermal resource assessment. The bill also encourages counties to implement recommendations from a geothermal public health assessment, focusing on environmental protection and public safety.