Bill > HB1403

This bill appropriates $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 legislation recognizes Hawaii island's significant potential for geothermal energy development, noting that it contains the largest and most reliable geothermal energy source in the state. The bill builds upon previous work by the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation and the University of Hawaii, which are already developing an integrated geothermal development roadmap aimed at creating a 50-100-megawatt power station. The legislature views geothermal resources as a stable power alternative to biofuels and believes additional funding is necessary to continue exploration, conduct community outreach, and build on previous investigations. The funding will support ongoing efforts to explore and identify geothermal resources, with the ultimate goal of advancing Hawaii's renewable energy capabilities while preserving agricultural and pastoral lands. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and the funds will be administered directly by DBEDT for the specified geothermal exploration purposes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1403&year=2026