THE SENATE

S.C.R. NO.

64

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

URGING THE PUBLIC LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO identify public trust land on the islands of Hawaii AND MAUI with geothermal resources that may be developed and to WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT GEOTHERMAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ON PUBLIC TRUST LAND ON THE ISLANDS OF HAWAII AND MAUI.

 

 


     WHEREAS, Hawaii's economic depression can be attributed to, among other issues, continued declines in tourism and employment and record high oil prices; and

 

     WHEREAS, Hawaii's unique environment offers many untapped resources for future sustainable revenue to fund necessary state programs; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Island of Hawaii's geothermal resources produce approximately thirty-one percent of the State's renewable energy; however, the full potential of the Island's geothermal resources remains largely untapped; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Island of Maui is made up of two independent volcanic systems, and surveys indicate six locations with a potential for geothermal resources; and

 

     WHEREAS, geothermal energy is efficient and stable and has long-term viability to help Hawaii meet its 2030 energy goals, reduce its contribution to global warming, and create a sustainable energy market; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Public Land Development Corporation was created to develop and implement public land optimization projects where appropriate public land may be developed or managed to create revenue-generating centers or where opportunities exist to exploit potential local, national, and international markets; and

 

     WHEREAS, pursuant to section 5(f) of the Admission Act, proceeds from the sale or other disposition of public trust lands are to be held by the State in trust for the support of public schools and other public educational institutions, for the betterment of native Hawaiians, for the development of farm and home ownership on as widespread a basis as possible for the making of public improvements, and for providing lands for public use; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2012, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Public Land Development Corporation is urged to identify public trust land on the Islands of Hawaii and Maui with geothermal resources that may be developed; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Public Land Development Corporation is urged to work with the Department of Land and Natural Resources to develop and implement geothermal projects on the Islands of Hawaii and Maui; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Public Land Development Corporation is requested to submit its written findings and policy recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2013; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Executive Director of the Public Land Development Corporation, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and the Mayors of the Counties of Hawaii and Maui.

Report Title: 

Geothermal Resources; Public Land Development Corporation; Department of Land and Natural Resources