HI HB351

Renames the Hawaii renewable hydrogen program to the "Hawaii long duration clean energy storage program" and expands its scope to include pumped storage hydroelectricity, batteries, and other storage technologies beyond just hydrogen

Transfers administration of the program from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to the Hawaii State Energy Office

Creates a new "long duration clean energy storage investment capital special fund" to replace the existing hydrogen investment special fund, funded through legislative appropriations, public/private contributions, and interest earnings

Requires engineering and economic evaluations of potential storage locations, prioritizing sites that maximize ecological, social, and economic benefits while minimizing impacts on cultural sites, agricultural lands, and wildlife habitats

Appropriates an unspecified sum for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support the program and staff transfers, with an effective date of July 1, 2025