S.B. 3282 Summary

• Renames the Hawaii State Energy Office as the Energy Division within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, eliminating its status as an independent public body.

• Changes the title of Chief Energy Officer to Chief Energy Administrator, appointed by the DBEDT director instead of requiring gubernatorial appointment with Senate confirmation.

• Expands the Energy Division's duties to include leasing state lands for renewable energy projects, establishing offtake agreements for renewable energy and fuels, and facilitating expedited project completion with guaranteed commercial operations dates.

• Requires the Energy Division to develop and annually update a comprehensive state energy plan detailing goals, strategies, achievements, barriers, and land acquisition status for renewable energy projects.

• Appropriates $2,664,394 for fiscal year 2024-2025 to fund the energy division and declares this exceeds the state general fund expenditure ceiling.