Bill > HB1403

This bill seeks to appropriate $6,000,000 to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) for geothermal energy exploration on Hawaii island over two fiscal years (2025-2026 and 2026-2027). The legislature believes Hawaii island has the most promising geothermal energy potential in the state, with the largest and most reliable geothermal resources. The bill builds upon previous work by the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation and the University of Hawaii to develop an integrated geothermal development roadmap, with the ultimate goal of creating a 50-100 megawatt utility-scale power station. The funding will support continued exploration, community outreach, and development planning, following an earlier gubernatorial reduction of a previous appropriation from $6 million to $3 million. The bill acknowledges geothermal resources as a stable power alternative to biofuels and recognizes Hawaii island's unique potential for both energy development and agricultural land use. The appropriated funds will be used by DBEDT to continue geothermal resource exploration and identification efforts, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1403&year=2025