Bill > SB151

This bill establishes a permitted interaction group within the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) to study and recommend strategies for geothermal exploration on Hawaiian home lands. Building on previous funding from Act 205 in 2022, the bill appropriates additional state general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support geothermal resource development. The funding will enable DHHL to conduct technical activities such as drilling slim holes (narrow exploratory boreholes), developing water wells, collecting geophysical data, and investigating potential geothermal resources. The bill also specifically authorizes DHHL to hire consultants to assist with geothermal development activities. The legislature views geothermal resources as a stable power source and viable alternative to biofuels, with potential applications in electricity generation and renewable energy production, including hydrogen generation. The bill is set to take effect on July 31, 2050, providing a long-term framework for exploring and potentially developing geothermal resources on Hawaiian home lands.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=151&year=2026