HI SB1338

Renames the Hawaii Renewable Hydrogen Program to the Hawaii Renewable Hydrogen and Long Duration Clean Energy Storage Program to expand focus beyond hydrogen to include long duration energy storage technologies.

Adds engineering and economic evaluations of potential locations for long duration clean energy storage and pumped storage hydroelectric projects as a priority activity of the program.

Requires program evaluations to maximize ecological, social, and economic benefits while minimizing negative impacts on cultural heritage, productive agricultural land, and habitat.

Renames the Hydrogen Investment Special Fund to the Hydrogen and Long Duration Clean Energy Storage Investment Capital Special Fund to support research, development, and implementation of both hydrogen and long duration storage technologies.

Appropriates $3,500,000 from the energy security special fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support program activities and establish temporary positions, with effective date of May 13, 2040.