THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

136

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013

S.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR 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, that the Governor 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 Energy Program Administrator of the Hawaii State Energy Office of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, who shall serve as Chair of the Working Group;

 

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

 

     (3)  The Director of Health, or the Director's designee;

 

     (4)  The Director of the Hawaii County Civil Defense, or the Director's designee;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

     (8)  A representative of the United States Department of Energy;

 

     (9)  Two representatives of the geothermal industry, to be selected by the Governor;

 

    (10)  One member from the affected community in the County of Hawaii, to be selected by the Governor;

 

    (11)  One representative of the Hawaii Island Labor Alliance; and

 

    (12)  One representative of the Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, to be selected by the Chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Hilo; 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 Resolution be transmitted to the Governor; Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources; Director of Health; Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the High Technology Development Corporation; Mayor of the County of Hawaii; Chairperson of the Hawaii County Council; Energy Program Administrator of the Hawaii State Energy Office of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Director of Hawaii County Civil Defense; United States Department of Energy; Hawaii Island Labor Alliance; and Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Report Title: 

Geothermal Energy and Technology Working Group