HI SCR122

Hawaii's constitution prohibits nuclear fission power plants without legislative approval (Article XI, Section 8), reflecting long-standing public opposition to nuclear energy.

The resolution opposes nuclear energy in Hawaii, citing risks including hazardous fuel transport over ocean distances, impossible emergency planning zones (10-mile immediate radius, 50-mile ingestion pathway radius), geological instability including earthquakes and volcanoes, and no viable long-term waste storage solutions requiring maintenance for at least 200,000 years.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and other advanced reactor types are deemed not viable due to unproven technology, unresolved safety risks, high costs, and insufficient testing; pursuit of these would delay faster and cheaper climate solutions.

Hawaii is already on track to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2045 under Act 97 (2015), making nuclear energy unnecessary and an expensive distraction from proven sustainable solutions like solar and wind power.

The Senate commits to uphold Hawaii's constitution, oppose nuclear energy use in Hawaii, and prioritize investment in clean renewable energy, with certified copies to be transmitted to the Governor, Attorney General, and county mayors.