Bill > HB514

This bill establishes an offshore wind energy working group to develop a comprehensive roadmap for potential offshore wind energy development in Hawaii. The working group will be composed of key government officials, including chairs of energy and environmental committees, the public utilities commission chair, state energy office representative, and others, with additional invited representatives from federal agencies, local government, Hawaiian Electric Company, and affected communities. The group's primary objective is to evaluate the suitability of offshore wind energy for Hawaii by considering multiple critical standards, such as effective stakeholder engagement, protection of local economies, creation of a local and equitable workforce, preservation of cultural resources (with special attention to Native Hawaiian rights), environmental protection, and alignment with state energy policy objectives. The working group will consult industry experts and review existing reports, such as those from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Members will serve without compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses, and they are not subject to conflict of interest rules solely based on their participation. By December 2026, the group is required to submit a comprehensive report to the legislature, including findings, recommendations, and potential legislative proposals, reflecting Hawaii's careful approach to balancing renewable energy development with community and cultural considerations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=514&year=2026