Geothermal and subsurface exploration bill draws sharp community opposition; decision deferred

HB 1983, a measure concerning subsurface exploration and natural resources, generated a split record on Feb. 10. State agencies including the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) offered comments in support of the bill’s intent to improve data about subsurface resources and to enable development planning.

DHHL representative Collie Watson said the measure could help reduce energy costs for homestead beneficiaries and support economic enterprises tied to firm local power, noting the department faces rising electricity expenses: "we have a little bit over 11,000 homestead leases... they incur or have to endure $32,000,000 a year in electricity costs," he said, urging measures that protect cultural sites and beneficiaries.

Community members and residents raised strong objections. Jasmine Steiner, who identified herself as a long‑time resident in Puna, urged rejection and criticized the bill as an attempt to bypass environmental review: "I stand in vehement opposition to HB 19 83," she said, recounting health and community harms she attributes to prior geothermal operations and noting ongoing litigation. Other community testifiers said subsurface exploration could be readily repurposed to justify large geothermal projects that would threaten health, cultural values and the environment.

Committee members acknowledged the competing concerns and deferred decision making to allow time to reconcile the bill’s goals with environmental review, cultural protections and community input.