State lawmakers will meet today in a conference committee to discuss the fate of a bill aimed at curbing the ability of counties to pass their own geothermal regulations. ADVERTISING State lawmakers will meet today in a conference committee to
State lawmakers will meet today in a conference committee to discuss the fate of a bill aimed at curbing the ability of counties to pass their own geothermal regulations.
The legislation passed both chambers, though the House advanced a nearly blank version known as a short-form bill.
Rep. Richard Onishi, who will participate in the conference, referred to it as a strategic move that kept the bill alive while forcing negotiations between Senate and House members.
“I think there are some concerns over the counties’ role in the whole process,” said Onishi, D-Hilo, Keaau, Kurtistown, Volcano. He said he preferred the original version that allowed counties to pass their own regulations for geothermal plants within a mile of homes.
The version the Senate passed would allow only the state to regulate how geothermal plants operate unless that power is delegated to the counties.
Puna Geothermal Venture, located near Pahoa, is the state’s only geothermal power plant. It has a capacity of 38 megawatts.
Sen. Lorraine Inouye, the bill’s main sponsor, said the Senate will bring its complete version to the table and see what House members offer.
“The Senate will continue to keep its position, the bill that passed the Senate,” said Inouye, D-North Hawaii.
She said it makes sense to have geothermal regulatory authority in the hands of the state so rules are consistent.
“The emphasis of this measure is to have state control under the support of (Department of Land and Natural Resources) and the Department of Health,” Inouye said. She said the state still needs to be kept accountable to ensure the health and safety of residents are protected.
The measure is supported by Ormat, the parent company of PGV. Inouye previously said the company requested the legislation.
Onishi said he expects the talks to require more than one meeting.
Additionally, Inouye said she will offer an amendment allowing counties to provide a stipend to neighbors of geothermal power plants who want to relocate as a result of drilling or other factors.
Hawaii County runs a program funded by its share of geothermal royalties allowing it to purchase homes from residents at 130 percent of assessed value to help them relocate. The homes are then auctioned.
Inouye said it doesn’t make sense to move people back in if residents have noise or safety concerns.
“Why are we doing that?” she asked, adding the money would be better spent on improving emergency shelters in the area.
The bill follows a county ordinance adopted in 2012 that says geothermal drilling shall only occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
PGV, which is facing a lawsuit from some nearby residents hoping to prevent nighttime drilling, has said its state geothermal resources permit overrides the law. It also says the restrictions would create safety issues.
The Senate bill is expected to resolve that matter in favor of the power plant.
The legislation also follows a bill the state adopted four years ago that took away county permitting authority for geothermal development.
Sen. Russell Ruderman, whose district includes the power plant, has sought to reinstate that authority. He spoke against the current bill.
Meanwhile, PGV will conduct a test of its warning system at 11:30 a.m. today.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
