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Lawmakers spar over geothermal exploration on Department of Hawaiian Homelands land; concerns about consultation and island impacts
Summary
Representatives debated a bill directing the Department of Hawaiian Homelands to consider geothermal resources on its lands. Supporters described potential energy and economic benefits; opponents raised concerns about beneficiary consultation and cultural impacts, particularly for Hawaii Island.
The House debated a measure directing the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) to identify and potentially evaluate geothermal resources on lands under its stewardship. Supporters argued geothermal could lower energy costs and create economic opportunities, while opponents said beneficiaries had not been sufficiently consulted and raised cultural and location-specific concerns, particularly on Hawaii Island and Mauna Kea.
Representative Shimizu spoke in opposition, citing community testimony and concerns from first responders and other parties about potential costs and inadequate consultation. Shimizu said the concept “sounds like a great idea” but that the endeavor should be pursued through another entity and that DHHL should remain focused on providing living units for DHHL beneficiaries.
Representative Poi Poi said his opposition was rooted in concerns about the consultation process with DHHL beneficiaries and asked for more meaningful early engagement. Representative Lowen and others said they remained generally supportive but emphasized that the bill was at an early stage, that funding had not yet been appropriated, and that beneficiary consultation should proceed.
Representative Capella and Representative Belotti urged that DHHL follow the statutory process to consult beneficiaries and noted disappointment that consultation appeared insufficient. Representative Hussey said the bill is broad and could be appropriate for Oahu while acknowledging cultural opposition to geothermal development on Hawaii Island.
Why it matters: the bill would authorize DHHL exploration activity on trust lands affecting DHHL beneficiaries and raises questions about consultation, cultural impacts and where exploration might take place. Several members said more explicit beneficiary consultation language or geographic clarity (for example, specifying Oahu) could affect support.
The transcript shows extended floor-level discussion with multiple representatives entering reservations or opposition; the committee report was advanced as part of the day's package of standing committee adoptions but the transcript does not record final implementing details or appropriations.
