STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2453

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3081

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 3081 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A PROGRAM TO CHARACTERIZE THE POTENTIAL OF UNDERGROUND ENERGY RESOURCES STATEWIDE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish the Underground Energy Resource Characterization Program to identify the location and characteristics of underground energy resources through the use of slim-hole bores and require a related environmental assessment or environmental impact statement;

(2) Require a report to the Legislature; and

(3) Appropriate funds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii State Energy Office; Ulupono Initiative; and one individual.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Na Wai Hoʻola Nui Laʻau Lapaʻau, Truth for the People, Keaukaha Action Network, and thirteen individuals.

Your Committee finds that characterizing underground geothermal and carbon sequestration resources is a foundational investment towards energy security, reducing imported fuel dependency, and supporting sustainable economic growth across multiple sectors including agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and the blue economy. Conducting research via slim-hole test wells would inform appropriate state agencies and policymakers about geothermal energy's potential role in the State's renewable energy portfolio targets. Therefore, this measure will help identify the most cost-effective, scalable, and technologically feasible solutions across the energy sector.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting a blank appropriation amount;

(2) Inserting an effective date of April 19, 2042, to encourage further discussion; and

(3) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

Your Committee notes that this measure, as amended, contains an unspecified appropriation amount. Should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it consider inserting an appropriation amount of $6,000,000 to research geothermal heat and carbon sequestration resources across the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3081, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3081, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs,

________________________________

GLENN WAKAI, Chair