SB 3081: Hawaii State Energy Office; Water Resources; Geothermal Exploration; University of Hawaii; Reports; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO A PROGRAM TO CHARACTERIZE THE POTENTIAL OF UNDERGROUND ENERGY RESOURCES STATEWIDE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that a better understanding of carbon sequestration potential and the location and temperature of underground water resources across the State can provide multiple benefits to agriculture, clean energy, and land use.

     The legislature further finds that resource characterization via slim-hole bores, which have a diameter of seven inches or less for over ninety per cent of the depth of the bore, can help identify geologic features associated with clean energy resources.  Environmental assessments should be conducted before any energy projects are developed, with robust and continued community engagement facilitated by unbiased energy information.

     At the same time, changes to federal funding for lifesaving health care and nutrition assistance have placed short-term constraints on state funds.  Given these limitations, and recognizing that significant investments are needed to determine how geothermal energy can improve the lives of residents, this Act provides more modest fiscal support for one or two additional slim-hole characterization wells.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the Hawaii state energy office to continue supporting geothermal exploration resource characterization via slim-hole characterization wells, in collaboration with the Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center at the university of Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 196, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§196-     Underground energy resource characterization program.  (a)  There is established the underground energy resource characterization program within the Hawaii state energy office in collaboration with the Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center at the university of Hawaii to identify the location and characteristics of accessible geothermal heat and carbon sequestration resources across the State using the slim-hole boring method.

     (b)  Upon finding a resource that could support the development of geothermal energy, the Hawaii state energy office shall seek funds to conduct an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for the program's actions pursuant to chapter 343.  The assessment or impact statement shall be conducted in collaboration with the appropriate state agencies, including the department of land and natural resources and department of health, and shall include input from Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners.

     (c)  The Hawaii state energy office shall compile and share information on the role of geothermal energy in achieving energy self-sufficiency across the State.  The information shall be grounded in the context of commercially available technology and address both opportunities and potential concerns, including cultural, economic, and land use considerations.

     (d)  The Hawaii state energy office shall submit an annual report to the legislature, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session, on recent developments in geothermal energy technology and activities in other states."

     SECTION 3.  The Hawaii state energy office shall submit a progress report on the underground energy resource characterization program to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028.  The report shall be made available to the public in readily accessible formats, including commonly used mapping software.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the energy security special fund the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii state energy office.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Hawaii State Energy Office; Water Resources; Geothermal Exploration; University of Hawaii; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes the Underground Energy Resource Characterization Program to identify the location and characteristics of accessible geothermal heat and carbon sequestration resources through the use of slim-hole bores and requires a related environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO A PROGRAM TO CHARACTERIZE THE POTENTIAL OF UNDERGROUND ENERGY RESOURCES STATEWIDE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that a better understanding of carbon sequestration potential and the location and temperature of underground water resources across the State can provide multiple benefits to agriculture, clean energy, and land use.

     The legislature further finds that resource characterization via slim-hole bores, which have a diameter of seven inches or less for over ninety per cent of the depth of the bore, can help identify geologic features associated with clean energy resources.  Environmental assessments should be conducted before any energy projects are developed, with robust and continued community engagement facilitated by unbiased energy information.

     At the same time, changes to federal funding for lifesaving health care and nutrition assistance have placed short-term constraints on state funds.  Given these limitations, and recognizing that significant investments are needed to determine how geothermal energy can improve the lives of residents, this Act provides more modest fiscal support for one or two additional slim-hole characterization wells.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the Hawaii state energy office to continue supporting geothermal exploration resource characterization via slim-hole characterization wells, in collaboration with the Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center at the university of Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 196, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding to part I a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§196-    Underground energy resource characterization program.  (a)  There is established the underground energy resource characterization program within the Hawaii state energy office in collaboration with the Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center at the university of Hawaii to identify the location and characteristics of accessible geothermal heat and carbon sequestration resources across the State using the slim-hole boring method.

     (b)  Upon finding of a resource that could support the development of geothermal energy, the Hawaii state energy office shall seek funds to conduct an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for the program's actions pursuant to chapter 343.  The assessment or impact statement shall be conducted in collaboration with the appropriate state agencies, including the department of land and natural resources and department of health, and shall include input from Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners.

     (c)  The Hawaii state energy office shall compile and share information on the role of geothermal energy in achieving energy self-sufficiency across the State.  The information shall be grounded in the context of commercially available technology and address both opportunities and potential concerns, including cultural, economic, and land use considerations.

     (d)  The Hawaii state energy office shall submit an annual report to the legislature, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session, on recent developments in geothermal energy technology and activities in other states."

     SECTION 3.  The Hawaii state energy office shall submit a progress report on the underground energy resource characterization program to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028.  The report shall be made available to the public in readily accessible formats, including commonly used mapping software.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the energy security special fund the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii state energy office.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on April 19, 2042.

Report Title:

Hawaii State Energy Office; Water Resources; Geothermal Exploration; University of Hawaii; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes the Underground Energy Resource Characterization Program to identify the location and characteristics of underground energy resources through the use of slim-hole bores and requires a related environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.  Requires reports to the legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 4/19/2042.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO A PROGRAM TO CHARACTERIZE THE POTENTIAL OF UNDERGROUND ENERGY RESOURCES STATEWIDE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that a better understanding of carbon sequestration potential and the location and temperature of underground water resources across the State can provide multiple benefits to agriculture, clean energy, and land use.

     The legislature further finds that resource characterization via slim-hole bores, which have a diameter of seven inches or less for over ninety per cent of the depth of the bore, can help identify geologic features associated with clean energy resources.  Environmental assessments should be conducted before any energy projects are developed, with robust and continued community engagement facilitated by unbiased energy information.

     At the same time, changes to federal funding for lifesaving health care and nutrition assistance have placed short-term constraints on state funds.  Given these limitations, and recognizing that significant investments are needed to determine how geothermal energy can improve the lives of residents, this Act provides more modest fiscal support for one or two additional slim-hole characterization wells.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the Hawaii state energy office to continue supporting geothermal exploration resource characterization via slim-hole characterization wells, in collaboration with the Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center at the university of Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 196, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding to part I a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§196-     Underground energy resource characterization program.  (a)  There is established the underground energy resource characterization program within the Hawaii state energy office in collaboration with the Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center at the university of Hawaii to identify the location and characteristics of accessible geothermal heat and carbon sequestration resources across the State using the slim-hole boring method.

     (b)  Upon finding of a resource that could support the development of geothermal energy, the Hawaii state energy office shall seek funds to conduct an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for the program's actions pursuant to chapter 343.  The assessment or impact statement shall be conducted in collaboration with the appropriate state agencies, including the department of land and natural resources and department of health, and shall include input from Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners.

     (c)  The Hawaii state energy office shall compile and share information on the role of geothermal energy in achieving energy self-sufficiency across the State.  The information shall be grounded in the context of commercially available technology and address both opportunities and potential concerns, including cultural, economic, and land use considerations.

     (d)  The Hawaii state energy office shall submit an annual report to the legislature, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session, on recent developments in geothermal energy technology and activities in other states."

     SECTION 3.  The Hawaii state energy office shall submit a progress report on the underground energy resource characterization program to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028.  The report shall be made available to the public in readily accessible formats, including commonly used mapping software.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the energy security special fund the sum of $6,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii state energy office.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act, upon its approval, shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

Hawaii State Energy Office; Water Resources; Geothermal Exploration; University of Hawaii; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes the Underground Energy Resource Characterization Program to identify the location and characteristics of underground energy resources through the use of slim-hole bores and requires a related environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.  Requires a report to the legislature.  Appropriates funds.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2828

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 3081

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 3081, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A PROGRAM TO CHARACTERIZE THE POTENTIAL OF UNDERGROUND ENERGY RESOURCES STATEWIDE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Hawaii State Energy Office to continue supporting geothermal exploration resource characterization in collaboration with the University of Hawaii.

     More specifically, this measure:

     (1)  Establishes the Underground Energy Resource Characterization Program within the Hawaii State Energy Office, in collaboration with the Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center at the University of Hawaii, to identify the location and characteristics of geothermal and carbon sequestration resources through slim-hole drilling;

     (2)  Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to compile and share information on the role of geothermal energy in achieving energy self-sufficiency and to submit annual progress reports to the Legislature; and

     (3)  Appropriates moneys out of the Energy Security Special Fund to support the program and its activities.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii State Energy Office; Ulupono Initiative; and six individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from the Chamber of Sustainable Commerce, KahuPuna, and three individuals.

     Your Committee finds that conducting research via slim-hole test wells to identify where geothermal resources are likely to exist is a high priority of Hawaii's updated energy strategy.  By helping to locate these resources, the program established by this measure promises to stimulate private sector investment in safe, reliable, and affordable firm renewable energy that can make Hawaii energy more self-sufficient, reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions, and create jobs.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3081, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2453

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 3081

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 3081 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A PROGRAM TO CHARACTERIZE THE POTENTIAL OF UNDERGROUND ENERGY RESOURCES STATEWIDE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish the Underground Energy Resource Characterization Program to identify the location and characteristics of underground energy resources through the use of slim-hole bores and require a related environmental assessment or environmental impact statement;

     (2)  Require a report to the Legislature; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii State Energy Office; Ulupono Initiative; and one individual.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Na Wai Hoʻola Nui Laʻau Lapaʻau, Truth for the People, Keaukaha Action Network, and thirteen individuals.

     Your Committee finds that characterizing underground geothermal and carbon sequestration resources is a foundational investment towards energy security, reducing imported fuel dependency, and supporting sustainable economic growth across multiple sectors including agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and the blue economy.  Conducting research via slim-hole test wells would inform appropriate state agencies and policymakers about geothermal energy's potential role in the State's renewable energy portfolio targets.  Therefore, this measure will help identify the most cost-effective, scalable, and technologically feasible solutions across the energy sector. 

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting a blank appropriation amount;

     (2)  Inserting an effective date of April 19, 2042, to encourage further discussion; and

     (3)  Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

Your Committee notes that this measure, as amended, contains an unspecified appropriation amount.  Should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it consider inserting an appropriation amount of $6,000,000 to research geothermal heat and carbon sequestration resources across the State.

     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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3081, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3081, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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