STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1872

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 58

H.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 58, H.D. 1, entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT 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 and intent 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 Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Public Utilities Commission, Hawaii State Energy Office, Ulupono Initiative, Coalition Earth, Sustainable Energy Hawaiʻi, and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that geothermal energy has the potential to play a significant role in meeting Hawaii's energy objectives of reliability, affordability, and diversification, and that the State could benefit from further evaluation of this renewable energy source. This measure aims to provide a coordinated, transparent, and community-inclusive process to evaluate and identify any clear development pathways for this alternative firm renewable energy resource that aligns with state policy, environmental stewardship, and cultural sensitivity.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 58, H.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs,

________________________________

GLENN WAKAI, Chair