HB1403 appropriates $6 million from the state general revenues for fiscal year 2025-2026 and another $6 million for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) for the exploration and identification of geothermal resources on Hawaii island. The bill is framed as a continuation and expansion of prior geothermal planning work, including an integrated geothermal development roadmap already underway through the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation and the University of Hawaii.
The measure’s stated goal is to support development of geothermal energy as a stable power source and a potential alternative to biofuels, with an emphasis on Hawaii island as the location with the strongest geothermal potential. The bill also ties geothermal development to broader state interests, including community benefits, energy security, and long-term food self-sufficiency on Hawaii island. It directs the appropriated funds to DBEDT for the purposes described in the act and would take effect on July 1, 2025.
Impact
If enacted, HB1403 would create a new two-year general fund appropriation totaling up to $12 million for geothermal exploration and resource identification on Hawaii island. It would not directly amend regulatory permitting or land-use statutes, but it would increase state spending and assign DBEDT responsibility for carrying out the funded activities. The bill also reinforces the role of state economic development agencies in geothermal planning and may support further work by the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the University of Hawaii, and other public entities involved in energy development and community outreach.
Sentiment
The available bill text suggests a generally supportive posture toward geothermal development, emphasizing reliability, community benefits, and strategic importance for the state. There are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, so there is no documented opposition or debate in the supplied materials. The bill’s findings present geothermal energy as a practical and desirable resource, indicating favorable legislative intent toward advancing exploration on Hawaii island.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely to be the size and source of the appropriation, the focus on Hawaii island as the primary site for development, and the balance between energy development and local land, environmental, and community concerns. The bill itself notes that a prior appropriation was reduced by the governor, which suggests possible budgetary disagreement over geothermal funding levels. It also references community outreach and prior investigations by Hawaiian Home Lands and others, implying that land use, stakeholder engagement, and local acceptance may be important issues for affected communities and policymakers.