Committee approves request to convene geothermal working group; supporters and critics urge care over cultural and environmental risks
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Summary
The House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce voted to pass resolutions asking the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a geothermal energy working group to evaluate regulatory and policy issues for geothermal development.
The House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce on April 1 voted to pass HCR58 HD1 and HR54 HD1, which request that the Hawaii State Energy Office convene a geothermal energy working group to evaluate the state regulatory and policy landscape for geothermal energy in Hawaii.
The committee heard testimony from state agencies and advocacy groups. "We stand on our written testimony in support," Asami Kobayashi said on behalf of Mike Angelo, the state consumer advocate (DCCA). Jessica Simon, an analyst with the Public Utilities Commission, and Monique Sampas of the Hawaii State Energy Office likewise said they stood on written testimony supporting the working group.
Several conservation and community organizations registered in support, including Life of the Land and Energy Justice Network. In contrast, Caitlin Bray, a member of Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Hawaii, testified in opposition, saying that an "active unprecedented geothermal injunction" is currently before an intermediate appellate court and that geothermal projects carry risks including land subsidence, potential water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions. Bray urged that "voices of local and Native communities, particularly Kanaka groups, ... must be prioritized." Her reference to legal proceedings and international law was presented as her testimony; committee staff and other agency witnesses said they would follow up to clarify court status.
Committee members asked whether Hawaiian community members and cultural practitioners would be included in the proposed working group; Jessica Simon said that discussion at a prior hearing had considered including members from the Hawaiian community and that the PUC would be supportive of a complete working group that included those voices.
The committee adopted the recommendation to pass the measure as is. One member said during the vote that they would vote "with reservations"; the record also noted excused absences for Representatives Tam and Iligan.
The resolution requests convening a study group; it does not itself change regulatory law. The working group, if formed, would evaluate regulatory and policy issues and could inform future legislation or rulemaking.
