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Senate committees back DHHL geothermal exploration funding with revolving-fund amendment
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Summary
After emotional public testimony for and against geothermal exploration, the committees advanced HB 1307 (HD2) with an amendment to place initial funds into a revolving fund and to require beneficiary consultation before development proceeds.
The Senate committees advanced House Bill 1307 (HD2) March 24 after extended public comment about geothermal exploration on Hawaiian home lands. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) sought funding for preliminary geothermal investigations, slim-hole drilling and water-well work. Committee members and DHHL staff framed the request as an exploratory phase — not construction — and said informational briefings for beneficiaries will begin in April; they said full statutory beneficiary consultation would be triggered later when required by law.
Speakers in opposition recounted historical incidents and cited cultural and environmental risks associated with past geothermal projects. One testifier described an explosion at a geothermal plant and lasting impacts on nearby ecosystems; others urged that beneficiaries be consulted before funds are spent. DHHL representatives said the department is planning community informational sessions across islands and reiterated that exploration data would be collected to inform beneficiaries and the Hawaiian Homes Commission.
To balance concerns and the department’s need to gather data, the committee adopted an amendment directing any appropriation to a revolving fund that DHHL would replenish if and when the project produced excess revenue. Senators said the revolving fund would allow the department to reinvest proceeds into future exploration or project planning and to demonstrate fiscal prudence. The committee also recorded a requirement that beneficiary views be taken into account: commissioners said a majority “no” from beneficiaries would stop development.
On a vote, the committees recommended the bill pass with the amendment that creates the revolving-fund mechanism and clarifies the department’s obligation to consult beneficiaries; DHHL said the exploratory work will be localized, staged and subject to additional steps before construction.
