SCR 136

This bill requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a Geothermal Energy Working Group to evaluate the regulatory and policy landscape surrounding geothermal energy development in Hawaii. The working group would bring together state agencies, county planning departments, utility representatives, and other stakeholders to address the regulatory uncertainty, permitting challenges, and public concerns that have hindered geothermal energy development, particularly on Hawaii Island. The initiative aims to create a coordinated, transparent process for determining how geothermal energy—a stable, renewable power source—can contribute to Hawaii's goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045 while ensuring community involvement and cultural sensitivity.