HI SR115

Request the Hawaii State Energy Office to establish a Geothermal Energy Working Group led by the Chief Energy Officer to evaluate regulatory, policy, and permitting challenges affecting geothermal energy development in Hawaii

Working group composition includes 17 members from state agencies (energy, land/natural resources, business/economic development, health, public utilities), legislative committees, county planning departments, universities, utilities, industry representatives, and Native Hawaiian community representatives

Direct the working group to identify regulatory challenges, review best practices from other jurisdictions including New Zealand, assess geothermal expansion potential for energy resilience, and recommend policy and regulatory reforms to the Legislature and Governor

Require the Hawaii State Energy Office to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2027 Regular Session convening

Resolution acknowledges Hawaii's commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2045 and the January 29, 2025 executive order directing state departments to streamline permitting and accelerate renewable energy development