Bill > SCR136

This concurrent resolution requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to establish a Nuclear Energy Working Group to comprehensively study the potential of advanced nuclear power technologies in Hawaii. The working group would be composed of key state officials, including the Chief Energy Officer (who would chair the group), representatives from the Department of Health, Board of Land and Natural Resources, legislative energy committees, the Public Utilities Commission, and the University of Hawaii. Additionally, the group would invite representatives from the U.S. Navy, a public utility, nuclear energy experts, and an environmental organization. The working group's primary tasks would include evaluating the feasibility of nuclear power in Hawaii, assessing potential benefits, risks, and barriers (regulatory, financial, social, and environmental), and identifying short-term and long-term nuclear energy goals for the state. The resolution acknowledges Hawaii's constitutional requirement for legislative approval of nuclear facilities and notes that nuclear energy is not currently defined as a renewable energy source. The Hawaii State Energy Office would be required to submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature before the 2026 Regular Session, potentially including proposed legislation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=136&year=2025