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Panel advances DHHL geothermal study funding amid heavy public opposition and calls for beneficiary consultation
Summary
The committee advanced HB 1982, which would fund preliminary geothermal exploration by the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. Testimony recorded 46 submissions—41 opposed—centering on historical failures, health concerns, and insufficient beneficiary consultation; DHHL says $5 million requested is for preliminary tests and will conduct outreach.
The House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee voted to move House Bill 1982 forward after a contentious hearing in which dozens of public commenters urged the legislature not to authorize geothermal exploration on Hawaiian Home Lands without robust beneficiary consent and environmental review.
The Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) requested funds for preliminary investigative and exploratory work on potential geothermal sites on multiple islands and said it will hold beneficiary informational meetings in April and May. DHHL Director Kyle…
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