HI HB514

Establishes an offshore wind energy working group to evaluate the suitability of offshore wind development for Hawaii and balance renewable energy goals with community concerns and infrastructure capacity.

Working group shall develop an offshore wind roadmap defining standards that support effective stakeholder engagement, protection of local economies and cultural resources, environmental protection, workforce development, and state energy policy objectives.

Working group membership includes chairs of relevant house and senate committees, Hawaii Public Utilities Commission chair, chief energy officer, board of land and natural resources chair, director of planning and sustainable development, and CEO of office of Hawaiian affairs.

Working group shall invite representatives from Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Honolulu's climate and resilience office, Native Hawaiian rights experts, Hawaiian Electric Company, and affected community representatives to participate.

Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2027 regular session convenes.