HR 31: requesting the university of hawaii to conduct a viability study of nuclear energy development in hawaii.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

requesting the university of hawaii to conduct a viability study of nuclear energy development in hawaii.

     WHEREAS, nuclear energy offers a safe and highly efficient alternative to fossil fuels and provides a sustainable solution for meeting growing energy demands while reducing environmental impact; and

     WHEREAS, nuclear power programs have been rapidly developed and expanded throughout Europe, Asia, and in many areas within the continental United States to generate affordable renewable energy; and

     WHEREAS, the United States has ninety-four commercial nuclear reactors and ninety-nine naval nuclear reactors that generate firm clean power that support the economy and national security; and

     WHEREAS, a Pew Research Center survey from May 2024 shows that fifty-six percent of adults in the United States are in favor of developing nuclear power plants to generate affordable electricity; and

     WHEREAS, the electricity rates in Hawaii are more than one hundred percent higher than the national average; and

     WHEREAS, Hawaii remains dependent on imported fossil fuels for more than eighty percent of its energy generation despite having renewable energy sources that contribute to the State's electric grids; and

     WHEREAS, solar and wind energy sources operate on large areas of land and have adverse effects on the surrounding environment and communities; and

     WHEREAS, the development of Small Modular Reactors, which are nuclear fission reactors that have up to three hundred megawatts of electric capacity per unit, or about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors, has progressed to a point where these reactors can operate safely near or within populated areas without concern; and

     WHEREAS, there are no operating nuclear reactors or fuel cycle facilities in Hawaii except for those that are operated by the federal government at Pearl Harbor; and

     WHEREAS, Hawaii is in need of affordable and reliable firm power to support its communities, industries, and economy; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that this body requests the University of Hawaii to conduct a study of the viability of nuclear energy development in Hawaii to support and create a reliable, safe, and economical renewable energy source; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this study is requested to investigate the cost, safety, and utility of nuclear energy development in Hawaii; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University of Hawaii is requested to submit a report of its findings on the viability of nuclear energy development in Hawaii and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature, as well as the United States Secretary of Energy, United States Secretary of Commerce, United States Secretary of Defense, members of Hawaii's congressional delegation, Governor, Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Mayor of the County of Maui, Mayor of the County of Kauai, and Mayor of the County of Hawaii, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that adoption of this Resolution by either house of the Legislature does not constitute approval required under article XI, section 8, of the Hawaii State Constitution to construct a nuclear fission power plant or dispose of radioactive material in the State; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the United States Secretary of Energy, United States Secretary of Commerce, United States Secretary of Defense, members of Hawaii's congressional delegation, Governor, President of the University of Hawaii System, Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Mayor of the County of Maui, Mayor of the County of Kauai, and Mayor of the County of Hawaii.

Report Title: 

Requesting the University of Hawaii to conduct a viability study of nuclear energy development in Hawaii.