House advances resolution to study advanced nuclear power despite strong reservations from multiple members and state energy office caution

The Hawaii House advanced a resolution requesting the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) to convene a working group to study the feasibility of advanced nuclear power technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs). The motion passed on a voice vote, but the floor record shows substantial opposition and reservations from several members.

Representative Iwo Moro rose in opposition and read excerpts of testimony the committee received, citing HSEO’s recommendation that a nuclear working group is premature. The testimony quoted on the floor referenced Article XI, Section 8 of the Hawaii State Constitution — "no nuclear fission power plant shall be constructed or radioactive material disposed of in the state without prior approval by a two-thirds vote in each house of the legislature" — and said HSEO expects SMRs will not be commercially deployed in the U.S. at scale until at least 2030 and that licensing, costs, waste management and technical readiness remain unresolved.

Representative Iwo Moro also noted that the committee received formal opposition from a range of groups, including the Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Maui Peace Action, Malu Aina Center for Nonviolent Education and Action, 350Hawaii, Energy Justice Network, Greenpeace Hawaii, Hawaii Chapter of Americans for Democratic Action, Kauai Women’s Caucus, Huliā E Kanu‘u Outreach, Aloha Lōkahi Association and 42 individuals. HSEO’s written comments urged postponing a nuclear working group until operational, licensed SMRs have demonstrated cost, safety and waste-management performance elsewhere.

Other members expressed differing views. Representative Loewen said she supported moving forward with a short, targeted working group to settle questions and provide clarity so lawmakers can focus on viable energy resources. Multiple members entered “reservations” on the record, and several asked to have other members’ words inserted into the record as their own. Representative Iwo Moro concluded by standing in opposition, citing constitutional, technical and timing concerns.

The motion carried by voice vote. The House record does not show the working group’s membership, tasks or timeline; HSEO’s comments indicate the office’s preference to delay consideration until operational SMRs exist in the U.S. and adequate cost, safety and waste information is available.