Bill > HB558

This bill establishes a Nuclear Energy Task Force within Hawaii's State Energy Office to comprehensively study the potential implementation of advanced nuclear power technologies in the state. The task force will be composed of key government officials, including the chief energy officer (who will serve as chair), representatives from health, land and natural resources, the legislature, public utilities commission, and the University of Hawaii, with additional invited members from the U.S. Navy and nuclear energy experts. The task force's primary responsibilities include evaluating the feasibility of nuclear power in Hawaii, assessing potential benefits and risks (regulatory, financial, social, and environmental), and identifying short-term and long-term nuclear energy goals for the state. The bill highlights the national context of nuclear energy, noting that it currently provides nearly 20% of U.S. electricity, is a carbon-free energy source, and operates with high reliability. The task force is required to submit an interim report before the 2026 legislative session and a final report before the 2027 legislative session, after which the task force will be dissolved. The legislation emphasizes nuclear power's potential as a clean, efficient alternative to fossil fuels and its ability to help Hawaii achieve its clean energy objectives.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=558&year=2026