STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1674

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.R. No. 54

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.R. No. 54 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE TO CONVENE A GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WORKING GROUP TO EVALUATE THE REGULATORY AND POLICY LANDSCAPE SURROUNDING GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IN HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a Geothermal Energy Working Group to evaluate the regulatory and policy landscape surrounding geothermal energy in Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Public Utilities Commission; Coalition Earth; Life of the Land; Ulupono Initiative; and seven individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Energy Justice Network; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; and three individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Hawaii State Energy Office.

Your Committee finds that geothermal energy has the potential to be a critical component of Hawaii's renewable energy portfolio. However, regulatory uncertainty, permitting challenges, and land use restrictions have hindered its development. This measure convenes stakeholders to collaboratively assess the challenges and opportunities for geothermal expansion in the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Adding the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives standing committees with primary subject matter purview over energy to the Working Group;

(2) Changing the deadline for the report to the Legislature; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 54, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 54, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair