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HB514
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
514
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to wind energy
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION
1.
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The legislature finds that offshore
wind power is in the early stages of development in the United States, with
numerous state and federal offshore wind energy production targets having been
set for the coming years.
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The
legislature also finds the offshore wind development is not a net-gain for
every community.
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While it is a source of
inexhaustible, cost-effective, and clean power, it can also lead to negative
environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic impacts.
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Areas off
the coast of Oahu have been subject to unsolicited wind energy lease requests
following the establishment of the State's 2045 one hundred per cent renewable
energy goal.
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In response, the Bureau of
Ocean Energy Management has assessed offshore wind deployment scenarios, while
communities targeted by lease requests and studies have typically been vocal in
their rejection of proposals.
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As
offshore wind energy grows in adoption and Hawaii considers adding developments
to its waters, it is vital to balance the benefits of this energy source with
infrastructure capacities and community sentiment.
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Accordingly,
the purpose of this Act is to establish an offshore wind energy working group
to evaluate suitability and the best means to approach possible offshore wind
development projects.
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SECTION
2.
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(a)
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There is established an offshore wind energy
working group to consider and compile existing data, involve community
stakeholders in the conversations regarding offshore wind energy development, consider
its suitability for Hawaii, make recommendations regarding possible changes to the
State's 2045 renewable energy portfolio, and establish best practices as a
clear path forward for the State to follow in setting energy goals and
initiating offshore wind energy projects.
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(b)
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The working group shall develop an offshore
wind roadmap that defines standards to be considered in the development process
for offshore wind energy.
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The standards
must support:
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(1)
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Effective stakeholder engagement;
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(2)
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Local and regional coastal communities;
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(3)
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The creation of economic opportunities and
sustainment of existing local and regional economies;
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(4)
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The creation of an offshore wind energy
workforce that is local, trained, housed and equitable;
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(5)
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Protection of cultural resources, with special
consideration to the rights, customs, and traditional practices of native
Hawaiians;
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(6)
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Protection of the environment; and
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(7)
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The achievement of state energy policy
objectives.
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(c)
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In making their recommendations and roadmap,
the working group shall consult with industry experts and consider existing
reports such as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's
Hawaii Floating
Offshore Wind Regional Ports Assessment
and the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory's report on
The Cost and Feasibility of Floating Offshore Wind
Energy in the Oahu Region
.
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(d)
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The working group shall consist of the
following individuals:
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(1)
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The chair of the house committee on energy and
environmental protection;
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(2)
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The chair of the senate committee on energy
and intergovernmental affairs;
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(3)
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The chair of the public utilities commission,
or the Chair's designee;
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(4)
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The chief energy officer of the Hawaii state
energy office, or the chief energy officer's designee;
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(5)
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The chairperson of the board of land and
natural resources, or the chairperson's designee;
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(6)
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The director of the office of planning and
sustainable development, or the director's designee; and
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(7)
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The chief executive officer of the office of
Hawaiian affairs, or the chief executive officer's designee.
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(e)
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The working group shall invite the following
representatives to join the working group:
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(1)
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The director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management, or the Director's designee.
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(2)
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A representative of the office of climate
change, sustainability and resilience of the city and county of Honolulu, to be
selected by the chief resilience officer and executive director of the office
of climate change, sustainability and resilience of the city and county of
Honolulu;
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(3)
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A representative with familiarity, experience,
or expertise in native Hawaiian rights, customs, and traditional practices to
be appointed by the governor;
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(4)
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A representative from Hawaiian Electric
Company; and
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(5)
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A representative from each community affected
by proposed offshore wind lease development to be appointed by the governor.
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The
working group may invite other persons to participate on the working group.
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(f)
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The working group shall select a chairperson
from among its members.
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(g)
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The members of the working group shall not be
subject to chapter 84, Hawaii Revised Statutes, solely based on their
participation on the working group.
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(h)
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Members of the working group shall serve
without compensation but shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, including
travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.
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(i)
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The working group shall prepare and submit a
report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation,
to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the
regular session of
2027.
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SECTION 3.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
Working
Group; Offshore Wind Energy; Recommendations; Roadmap
Description:
Creates
an offshore wind energy working group to generate a roadmap to define standards
to consider in the developmental process for offshore wind energy.
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Requires the working group to submit a report
to the legislature prior to the 2027 regular session.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.