HI HR54

Hawaii State Energy Office is requested to convene a Geothermal Energy Working Group to evaluate the regulatory and policy landscape surrounding geothermal energy development in Hawaii.

Working group membership includes the Chief Energy Officer (chair), representatives from state agencies (BLNR, DBEDT, Health, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, PUC, Hawaiian Homes Commission), legislative energy committee chairs, county planning departments, University of Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center, electric utilities, geothermal industry, and non-governmental energy policy organizations.

Working group is requested to identify regulatory, policy, and permitting challenges; review best practices from other jurisdictions including Pacific island countries; assess geothermal expansion potential for energy resilience and affordability; and provide recommendations for policy and regulatory reforms.

Hawaii State Energy Office must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session convenes.