HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1982
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that geothermal resources can provide stable power, community benefits, and a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Act 205, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, appropriated $500,000 to the department of Hawaiian home lands as start-up funding for the exploration of geothermal resources on Hawaiian home lands, so that these resources could potentially be used for the generation, transmission, or production of electricity and renewable energy resources, including hydrogen.

The legislature recognizes that additional funds are needed for the department of Hawaiian home lands to continue its efforts in collecting geothermal resource data. Appropriating follow-up funding will allow the department of Hawaiian home lands to drill slim holes at certain sites, develop water wells, collect geophysical data, and hire consultants to help navigate the intricacies of geothermal development.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate follow-up funding to the department of Hawaiian home lands for certain geothermal resource exploration and development activities and the hiring of consultants.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for:

(1) The drilling of slim holes, development of water wells, and continuation of geophysical data collection, investigation, exploration, and identification of geothermal resources on Hawaiian home lands; and

(2) The department of Hawaiian home lands to hire consultants to assist with geothermal development activities.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of Hawaiian home lands for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DHHL; Hawaiian Home Lands; Geothermal Resources; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for certain geothermal resource exploration and development activities and the hiring of consultants. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

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