THE SENATE

S.C.R. NO.

180

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the PRESIDENT OF THE senate to establish a working group to discuss strategies for the development and expansion of geothermal energy and technology.

 

 


     WHEREAS, there is growing concern about the rising cost of energy in Hawaii; and

 

     WHEREAS, Hawaii's natural resources, such as geothermal energy, help reduce the State's dependence on imported oil for its energy needs and make the State more self-sufficient; and

 

     WHEREAS, geothermal energy in Hawaii has proven to be a reliable, inexhaustible energy source that is nearly emission-free; and

 

     WHEREAS, geothermal energy in Hawaii offers tremendous potential for growth and expansion; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State needs a sound, comprehensive strategy to ensure that geothermal energy is developed in an economically feasible manner that still protects public health, the environment, and cultural rights; and

 

     WHEREAS, a working group is necessary to discuss strategies for the development and expansion of geothermal energy and technology, including geothermal energy and technology development on the island of Hawaii and the development of a geothermal energy and technology park; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2013, the House of Representatives concurring, that the President of the Senate is requested to establish a Geothermal Energy and Technology Working Group to discuss strategies for the development and expansion of geothermal energy and technology in Hawaii, including but not limited to geothermal energy and technology development on the island of Hawaii and the development of a geothermal energy and technology park; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Geothermal Energy and Technology Working Group be composed of the following members:

 

     (1)  The Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, or the Chairperson's designee;

 

     (2)  The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the High Technology Development Corporation, or the Chairperson's designee;

 

     (3)  The Mayor of the County of Hawaii, or the Mayor's designee;

 

     (4)  The Chairperson of the Hawaii County Council, or the Chairperson's designee;

 

     (5)  A native Hawaiian cultural expert to be selected by the Mayor of the County of Hawaii;

 

     (6)  A private sector business member to be selected by the Mayor of the County of Hawaii; and

 

     (7)  A community member of the County of Hawaii to be selected by the Mayor of the County of Hawaii; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President of the Senate select a member of the Geothermal Energy and Technology Working Group to serve as its Chairperson; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Geothermal Energy and Technology Working Group is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2014 and cease to exist on June 30, 2014; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the President of the Senate; Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources; Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the High Technology Development Corporation; Mayor of the County of Hawaii; Chairperson of the Hawaii County Council; and Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

Geothermal Energy and Technology Working Group