H.B. 2031 Summary

• Appropriates $6,000,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for continued exploration and identification of geothermal resources on Hawaiian Home Lands.

• Recognizes that prior Act 205 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2022) appropriated $500,000 for initial geothermal exploration on Hawaiian Home Lands and that additional funding is needed to investigate suspected geothermal activity hotspots.

• Declares that the appropriation will exceed the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025, citing the necessity to serve the public interest and meet identified needs.

• Takes effect on July 1, 2024.