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SB993
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
993
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING
TO GEOTHERMAL ENERGY EXPLORATION
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION 1.
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Chapter 196, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to
read as follows:
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�196-
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Geothermal resources characterization
program.
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(a)
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The Hawaii state energy office shall:
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(1)
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Conduct a statewide environmental
assessment for a geothermal resources characterization program under the
direction of the Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center at the
university of Hawaii that identifies the location and characteristics of underground
geothermal resources across the State;
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(2)
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Establish a timeline for completion
of the environmental assessment that includes clear metrics for success and
defined criteria for evaluating geothermal resource viability, including maps,
resource data, or the number of identified geothermal sites;
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(3)
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Incorporate traditional ecological
knowledge into the environmental assessment process pursuant to paragraph (1);
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(4)
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In accordance with the statewide
environmental assessment, administer the geothermal resources characterization
program under the direction of the Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources
center at the university of Hawaii;
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(5)
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Outline how the geothermal resources
characterization program's data will be used for further exploration, resource
development, or public dissemination; and
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(6)
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Recommend protocols for
transitioning the geothermal resources characterization program from
exploration to development, including permitting and regulatory processes
recommendations.
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(b)
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Before and during the
environmental assessment and geothermal resources characterization program, the
Hawaii state energy office, supported by the Hawaii groundwater and geothermal
resources center, shall engage with the counties and nearby communities,
including individuals, civic organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations,
cultural practitioners, and local community leaders, to understand community
needs, priorities, and concerns with regard to the program and shall
incorporate stakeholder input to address concerns related to land use and
cultural impact.
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SECTION
2.
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There is appropriated out of the
general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $6,000,000 or so much
thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so
much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the Hawaii state
energy office to conduct the statewide environmental assessment and administer
the geothermal resources characterization program consistent with the
requirements of this Act.
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The
sums
appropriated shall be expended
by the Hawaii state energy office for the purposes of this Act.
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SECTION
3.
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New statutory material is
underscored.
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SECTION
4.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1,
2025.
INTRODUCED BY:
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Report Title:
HSEO; UH;
Geothermal Energy; Environmental Assessment; Geothermal Resources
Characterization Program; Appropriations
Description:
Requires
the Hawaii State Energy Office to conduct a statewide environmental assessment
for, and subsequently administer, a Geothermal Resources Characterization Program
under the direction of the Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center
at the University of Hawaii.
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Appropriates
funds.
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