HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	927
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to energy.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that in December 2022, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory announced that it had achieved fusion ignition, producing more energy from fusion than the laser energy used to initiate the ignition. The legislature recognizes that once fully realized as a source of power, fusion could allow the State to more efficiently meet the State's net‑zero emission goals. The legislature notes that, unlike fission reactors, fusion reactors produce shorter-lived radioactive byproducts and are a safer and cleaner alternative to nuclear-powered fission reactors.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a future fusion task force to:

(1) Determine the feasibility of amending the Hawaii State Constitution to include provisions to allow for fusion-powered reactors;

(2) Evaluate potential sites that may be reserved for fusion reactors; and

(3) Identify ways for the State to accelerate the progress of fusion development.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established within the Hawaii state energy office the future fusion task force.

(b) The task force shall:

(1) Determine the feasibility of amending the Hawaii State Constitution to include provisions to allow for fusion-powered reactors;

(2) Evaluate potential sites that may be reserved for fusion reactors; and

(3) Identify ways for the State to accelerate the progress of fusion development.

(c) The chief energy officer, or the chief energy officer's designee, shall:

(1) Serve as the chair of the task force; and

(2) Invite to serve as members of the task force academics, scientists, and futurists having relevant expertise.

(d) The task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2025.

(e) The task force shall cease to exist on June 30, 2025.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Energy; Fusion; HSEO; Future Fusion Task Force

Description:

Establishes within the Hawaii State Energy Office the future fusion task force to promote the use of fusion as an energy source in the State.

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