Bill Text: HI HB2690 | 2012 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Geothermal Resources; Exploration; Subzones
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2012-03-08 - (S) Referred to ENE/WLH/PGM, CPN/WAM. [HB2690 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2012-HB2690-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2690 |
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TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
PART I
SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to address geothermal resources.
More specifically:
(1) Part II amends chapter 182, Hawaii Revised Statutes, relating to mining leases, to define and differentiate between geothermal resources exploration and geothermal resources development;
(2) Part III amends chapter 183C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, relating to the conservation district, by designating geothermal resources exploration and geothermal resources development as permitted uses in all zones of the conservation district;
(3) Part IV amends chapter 205, Hawaii Revised Statutes, relating to state land use districts, by repealing the geothermal resource subzone provisions and designating geothermal resources exploration and geothermal resources development as permitted uses in all districts; and
(4) Part V amends chapter 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes, relating to the environmental review process, by exempting "geothermal resources exploration" from the need for an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
PART II
SECTION 2. Chapter 182, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§182- No environmental assessment or environmental impact statement required for geothermal resources exploration lease or permit. The board shall not require any person applying for a lease or permit exclusively for geothermal resources exploration to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement as a condition of accepting an application for or issuing the lease or permit."
SECTION 3. Section 182-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By adding two new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read:
""Geothermal resources development" means the development or production of electrical energy from geothermal resources and direct use application of geothermal resources. The term does not include geothermal resources exploration.
"Geothermal resources exploration" means:
(1) Conducting non-invasive geophysical operations; or
(2) Drilling exploration wells for the extraction and removal of minerals of types and quantities,
that are reasonably required for testing and analysis to provide ground truth or determine the economic viability of geothermal resources. The term does not include geothermal resources development."
2. By amending the definitions of "mining lease" and "mining operations" to read:
""Mining lease" means a lease of the right to conduct mining operations, including geothermal resource exploration or development, on state lands and on lands sold or leased by the State or its predecessors in interest with a reservation of mineral rights to the State.
"Mining operations" means the process of excavation, extraction, and removal of minerals, and the exploration or development of any and all geothermal resources, from the ground, design engineering, other engineering, erection of transportation facilities and port facilities, erection of necessary plants, other necessary operations or development approved by the board preceding or connected with the actual extraction of minerals and the exploration or development of geothermal resources."
SECTION 4. Section 182-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§182-5 Mining leases on reserved
lands. If any mineral is discovered or known to exist on reserved lands,
any interested person may notify the board of land and natural resources of the
person's desire to apply for a mining lease. The notice shall be accompanied
by a fee of $100 together with a description of the land desired to be leased
and the minerals involved and such information and maps as the board may by
regulation prescribe. The board may grant a mining lease on reserved lands in
accordance with section 182-4, or the board may, by the vote of two-thirds of
its members to which the board is entitled, without public auction, grant a
mining lease on reserved lands to the occupier thereof. Such a mining lease
may be granted to a person other than the occupier if the occupier has assigned
the occupier's rights to apply for a mining lease to another person, in which
case only such an assignee may be granted a mining lease. Any provisions to
the contrary notwithstanding, if the board decides that it is appropriate to
grant a geothermal mining lease on the reserved lands, the surface owner or the
owner's assignee shall have the first right of refusal for a mining lease[;
however, the granting of a geothermal mining lease does not create the
presumption that a geothermal resource subzone will be designated, nor shall
geothermal development activities occur on land within the geothermal mining
lease until the area is designated a geothermal resource subzone]. If the
occupier or the occupier's assignee of the right to obtain a mining lease
should fail to apply for a mining lease within six months from the date of
notice from the board of a finding by the board that it is in the public
interest that the minerals on the reserved lands be mined, a mining lease shall
be granted under section 182-4; provided that bidders at the public auction
shall bid on an amount to be paid to the State for a mining lease granting to
the lessee the right to exploit minerals reserved to the State."
SECTION 5. Section 182-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§182-6 Exploration. Any person wishing to conduct exploration on such state lands shall apply to the board of land and natural resources who shall issue exploration permits upon such terms and conditions as it shall by regulation prescribe. During and as a result of the exploration, no minerals of such types and quantity beyond that reasonably required for testing and analysis shall be extracted and removed from such state lands. Upon termination of the exploration permit, the drill logs and the results of the assays resulting from the exploration shall be turned over to the board and kept confidential by the board. If the person shall not make application for a mining lease of the lands within a period of six months from the date the information is turned over to the board, the board in its discretion need not keep the information confidential.
This section shall be construed as authorizing the board to issue an exploration permit for geothermal resources as well as minerals."
PART III
SECTION 6. Section 183C-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§183C-4 Zoning; amendments. (a) The department, after notice and hearing as provided in this section, shall review and redefine the boundaries of the zones within the conservation district.
(b) The department shall adopt rules governing the use of land within the boundaries of the conservation district that are consistent with the conservation of necessary forest growth, the conservation and development of land and natural resources adequate for present and future needs, and the conservation and preservation of open space areas for public use and enjoyment. No use except a nonconforming use as defined in section 183C-5, shall be made within the conservation district unless the use is in accordance with a zoning rule.
(c) The department may allow a temporary variance from zoned use where good cause is shown and where the proposed temporary variance is for a use determined by the department to be in accordance with good conservation practices.
(d) The department shall establish zones within the conservation district, which shall be restricted to certain uses. The department, by rules, may specify the land uses permitted therein which may include, but are not limited to, farming, flower gardening, operation of nurseries or orchards, growth of commercial timber, grazing, recreational or hunting pursuits, or residential use. The rules may control the extent, manner, and times of the uses, and may specifically prohibit unlimited cutting of forest growth, soil mining, or other activities detrimental to good conservation practices.
(e) Notwithstanding this section or any other law to the contrary, geothermal resources exploration and geothermal resources development, as defined under section 182-1, shall be permitted uses in all zones of the conservation district. The rules required under subsection (b) governing the use of land within the boundaries of the conservation district shall be deemed to include the application of this subsection without necessity of formal adoption by the department.
[(e)] (f) Whenever any landowner
or government agency whose property will be directly affected makes an
application to change the boundaries or land uses of any zone, or to establish
a zone with certain land uses, or where the department proposes to make the
change or changes itself, the change or changes shall be put in the form of a
proposed rule by the applicant and the department shall then give public notice
thereof during three successive weeks statewide and in the county in which the
property is located. The notice shall be given not less than thirty days prior
to the date set for the hearing, and shall state the time and place of the
hearing and the changes proposed. Any proposed rules and the necessary maps
shall be made available for inspection by interested members of the public.
The hearing shall be held in the county in which the land is located and may be
delegated to an agent or representative of the board as may otherwise be
provided by law and in accordance with rules adopted by the board. For the
purpose of its public hearing or hearings, the board may summon witnesses,
administer oaths, and require the giving of testimony."
SECTION 7. Section 183C-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§183C-6 Permits and site plan approvals. (a) The department shall regulate land use in the conservation district by the issuance of permits.
(b) The department shall render a decision on a completed application for a permit within one-hundred-eighty days of its acceptance by the department. If within one-hundred-eighty days after acceptance of a completed application for a permit, the department shall fail to give notice, hold a hearing, and render a decision, the owner may automatically put the owner's land to the use or uses requested in the owner's application. When an environmental impact statement is required pursuant to chapter 343, or when a contested case hearing is requested pursuant to chapter 91, the one-hundred-eighty days may be extended an additional ninety days at the request of the applicant. Any request for additional extensions shall be subject to the approval of the board.
(c) The department shall hold a public hearing in every case involving the proposed use of land for commercial purposes, at which hearing interested persons shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard. Public notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given at least once statewide and in the county in which the property is located. The notice shall be given not less than twenty days prior to the date set for the hearing. The hearing shall be held in the county in which the land is located and may be delegated to an agent or representative of the board as may otherwise be provided by law and in accordance with rules adopted by the board. For the purposes of its public hearing or hearings, the department shall have the power to summon witnesses, administer oaths, and require the giving of testimony. As used in this subsection, the term "commercial purposes" shall not include the use of land for utility purposes.
(d) The department shall regulate the construction, reconstruction, demolition, or alteration of any structure, building, or facility by the issuance of site plan approvals.
(e) Any permit for the reconstruction, restoration, repair, or use of any Hawaiian fishpond exempted from the requirements of chapter 343 under section 183B-2 shall provide for compliance with the conditions of section 183B-2.
(f) The department shall not require an applicant for a permit exclusively for geothermal resources exploration to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement pursuant to chapter 343 as a condition of accepting the application for or issuing the permit."
PART IV
SECTION 8. Section 205-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (b), (c), (d), and (e) to read as follows:
"(b) Urban districts shall include
activities or uses as provided by ordinances or regulations of the county
within which the urban district is situated[.] and geothermal
resources exploration and geothermal resources development, as defined under
section 182-1, as permitted uses.
(c) Rural districts shall include activities
or uses as characterized by low density residential lots of not more than one
dwelling house per one-half acre, except as provided by county ordinance
pursuant to section 46-4(c), in areas where "city-like" concentration
of people, structures, streets, and urban level of services are absent, and
where small farms are intermixed with low density residential lots except that
within a subdivision, as defined in section 484-1, the commission for good
cause may allow one lot of less than one-half acre, but not less than [18,500]
eighteen thousand five hundred square feet, or an equivalent
residential density, within a rural subdivision and permit the construction of
one dwelling on such lot, provided that all other dwellings in the subdivision
shall have a minimum lot size of one-half acre or 21,780 square feet. Such
petition for variance may be processed under the special permit procedure.
These districts may include contiguous areas which are not suited to low
density residential lots or small farms by reason of topography, soils, and
other related characteristics. Rural districts shall also include golf
courses, golf driving ranges, and golf-related facilities.
Rural districts shall include geothermal resources exploration and geothermal resources development, as defined under section 182-1, as permitted uses.
(d) Agricultural districts shall include:
(1) Activities or uses as characterized by the cultivation of crops, crops for bioenergy, orchards, forage, and forestry;
(2) Farming activities or uses related to animal husbandry and game and fish propagation;
(3) Aquaculture, which means the production of aquatic plant and animal life within ponds and other bodies of water;
(4) Wind generated energy production for public, private, and commercial use;
(5) Biofuel production, as described in section 205‑4.5(a)(15), for public, private, and commercial use;
(6) Solar energy facilities; provided that:
(A) This paragraph shall apply only to land with soil classified by the land study bureau's detailed land classification as overall (master) productivity rating class B, C, D or E; and
(B) Solar energy facilities placed within land with soil classified as overall productivity rating class B or C shall not occupy more than ten per cent of the acreage of the parcel, or twenty acres of land, whichever is lesser;
(7) Bona fide agricultural services and uses that support the agricultural activities of the fee or leasehold owner of the property and accessory to any of the above activities, regardless of whether conducted on the same premises as the agricultural activities to which they are accessory, including farm dwellings as defined in section 205-4.5(a)(4), employee housing, farm buildings, mills, storage facilities, processing facilities, agricultural-energy facilities as defined in section 205-4.5(a)(16), vehicle and equipment storage areas, roadside stands for the sale of products grown on the premises, and plantation community subdivisions as defined in section 205‑4.5(a)(12);
(8) Wind machines and wind farms;
(9) Small-scale meteorological, air quality, noise, and other scientific and environmental data collection and monitoring facilities occupying less than one-half acre of land; provided that these facilities shall not be used as or equipped for use as living quarters or dwellings;
(10) Agricultural parks;
(11) Agricultural tourism conducted on a working farm,
or a farming operation as defined in section 165-2, for the enjoyment,
education, or involvement of visitors; provided that the agricultural tourism
activity is accessory and secondary to the principal agricultural use and does
not interfere with surrounding farm operations; and provided further that this
paragraph shall apply only to a county that has adopted ordinances regulating
agricultural tourism under section 205-5; [and]
(12) Open area recreational facilities[.];
and
(13) Geothermal resources exploration and geothermal resources development, as defined under section 182-1.
Agricultural districts shall not include golf courses and golf driving ranges, except as provided in section 205-4.5(d). Agricultural districts include areas that are not used for, or that are not suited to, agricultural and ancillary activities by reason of topography, soils, and other related characteristics.
(e) Conservation districts shall include areas necessary for protecting watersheds and water sources; preserving scenic and historic areas; providing park lands, wilderness, and beach reserves; conserving indigenous or endemic plants, fish, and wildlife, including those which are threatened or endangered; preventing floods and soil erosion; forestry; open space areas whose existing openness, natural condition, or present state of use, if retained, would enhance the present or potential value of abutting or surrounding communities, or would maintain or enhance the conservation of natural or scenic resources; areas of value for recreational purposes; other related activities; and other permitted uses not detrimental to a multiple use conservation concept. Conservation districts shall also include areas for geothermal resources exploration and geothermal resources development, as defined under section 182-1."
SECTION 9. Section 205-4.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a) Within the agricultural district, all lands with soil classified by the land study bureau's detailed land classification as overall (master) productivity rating class A or B shall be restricted to the following permitted uses:
(1) Cultivation of crops, including crops for bioenergy, flowers, vegetables, foliage, fruits, forage, and timber;
(2) Game and fish propagation;
(3) Raising of livestock, including poultry, bees, fish, or other animal or aquatic life that are propagated for economic or personal use;
(4) Farm dwellings, employee housing, farm buildings, or activities or uses related to farming and animal husbandry. "Farm dwelling", as used in this paragraph, means a single-family dwelling located on and used in connection with a farm, including clusters of single-family farm dwellings permitted within agricultural parks developed by the State, or where agricultural activity provides income to the family occupying the dwelling;
(5) Public institutions and buildings that are necessary for agricultural practices;
(6) Public and private open area types of recreational uses, including day camps, picnic grounds, parks, and riding stables, but not including dragstrips, airports, drive-in theaters, golf courses, golf driving ranges, country clubs, and overnight camps;
(7) Public, private, and quasi-public utility lines and roadways, transformer stations, communications equipment buildings, solid waste transfer stations, major water storage tanks, and appurtenant small buildings such as booster pumping stations, but not including offices or yards for equipment, material, vehicle storage, repair or maintenance, treatment plants, corporation yards, or other similar structures;
(8) Retention, restoration, rehabilitation, or improvement of buildings or sites of historic or scenic interest;
(9) Roadside stands for the sale of agricultural products grown on the premises;
(10) Buildings and uses, including mills, storage, and processing facilities, maintenance facilities, and vehicle and equipment storage areas that are normally considered directly accessory to the above-mentioned uses and are permitted under section 205-2(d);
(11) Agricultural parks;
(12) Plantation community subdivisions, which as used in this chapter means an established subdivision or cluster of employee housing, community buildings, and agricultural support buildings on land currently or formerly owned, leased, or operated by a sugar or pineapple plantation; provided that the existing structures may be used or rehabilitated for use, and new employee housing and agricultural support buildings may be allowed on land within the subdivision as follows:
(A) The employee housing is occupied by employees or former employees of the plantation who have a property interest in the land;
(B) The employee housing units not owned by their occupants shall be rented or leased at affordable rates for agricultural workers; or
(C) The agricultural support buildings shall be rented or leased to agricultural business operators or agricultural support services;
(13) Agricultural tourism conducted on a working farm, or a farming operation as defined in section 165-2, for the enjoyment, education, or involvement of visitors; provided that the agricultural tourism activity is accessory and secondary to the principal agricultural use and does not interfere with surrounding farm operations; and provided further that this paragraph shall apply only to a county that has adopted ordinances regulating agricultural tourism under section 205-5;
(14) Wind energy facilities, including the appurtenances associated with the production and transmission of wind generated energy; provided that the wind energy facilities and appurtenances are compatible with agriculture uses and cause minimal adverse impact on agricultural land;
(15) Biofuel processing facilities, including the appurtenances associated with the production and refining of biofuels that is normally considered directly accessory and secondary to the growing of the energy feedstock; provided that biofuels processing facilities and appurtenances do not adversely impact agricultural land and other agricultural uses in the vicinity.
For the purposes of this paragraph:
"Appurtenances" means operational infrastructure of the appropriate type and scale for economic commercial storage and distribution, and other similar handling of feedstock, fuels, and other products of biofuels processing facilities.
"Biofuel processing facility" means a facility that produces liquid or gaseous fuels from organic sources such as biomass crops, agricultural residues, and oil crops, including palm, canola, soybean, and waste cooking oils; grease; food wastes; and animal residues and wastes that can be used to generate energy;
(16) Agricultural-energy facilities, including appurtenances necessary for an agricultural-energy enterprise; provided that the primary activity of the agricultural-energy enterprise is agricultural activity. To be considered the primary activity of an agricultural-energy enterprise, the total acreage devoted to agricultural activity shall be not less than ninety per cent of the total acreage of the agricultural-energy enterprise. The agricultural-energy facility shall be limited to lands owned, leased, licensed, or operated by the entity conducting the agricultural activity.
As used in this paragraph:
"Agricultural activity" means any activity described in paragraphs (1) to (3) of this subsection.
"Agricultural-energy enterprise" means an enterprise that integrally incorporates an agricultural activity with an agricultural-energy facility.
"Agricultural-energy facility" means a facility that generates, stores, or distributes renewable energy as defined in section 269-91 or renewable fuel including electrical or thermal energy or liquid or gaseous fuels from products of agricultural activities from agricultural lands located in the State.
"Appurtenances" means operational infrastructure of the appropriate type and scale for the economic commercial generation, storage, distribution, and other similar handling of energy, including equipment, feedstock, fuels, and other products of agricultural-energy facilities;
(17) Construction and operation of wireless communication antennas; provided that, for the purposes of this paragraph, "wireless communication antenna" means communications equipment that is either freestanding or placed upon or attached to an already existing structure and that transmits and receives electromagnetic radio signals used in the provision of all types of wireless communications services; provided further that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to permit the construction of any new structure that is not deemed a permitted use under this subsection;
(18) Agricultural education programs conducted on a
farming operation as defined in section 165-2, for the education and
participation of the general public; provided that the agricultural education
programs are accessory and secondary to the principal agricultural use of the
parcels or lots on which the agricultural education programs are to occur and
do not interfere with surrounding farm operations. For the purposes of this
section, "agricultural education programs" means activities or events
designed to promote knowledge and understanding of agricultural activities and
practices conducted on a farming operation as defined in section 165-2; [or]
(19) Solar energy facilities that do not occupy more
than ten per cent of the acreage of the parcel, or twenty acres of land,
whichever is lesser; provided that this use shall not be permitted on lands
with soil classified by the land study bureau's detailed land classification as
overall (master) productivity rating class A[.]; or
(20) Geothermal resources exploration and geothermal resources development, as defined under section 182-1."
SECTION 10. Section 205-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
"(c) Unless authorized by special permit issued pursuant to this chapter, only the following uses shall be permitted within rural districts:
(1) Low density residential uses;
(2) Agricultural uses;
(3) Golf courses,
golf driving ranges, and golf-related facilities; [and]
(4) Public,
quasi-public, and public utility facilities[.]; and
(5) Geothermal resources exploration and geothermal resources development, as defined under section 182-1.
In addition, the minimum lot size for any low density residential use shall be one-half acre and there shall be but one dwelling house per one-half acre, except as provided for in section 205-2."
SECTION 11. Section 205-5.1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed.
["§205-5.1 Geothermal resource
subzones. (a) Geothermal resource subzones may be designated
within the urban, rural, agricultural, and conservation land use districts
established under section 205-2. Only those areas designated as geothermal
resource subzones may be utilized for geothermal development activities in
addition to those uses permitted in each land use district under this chapter.
Geothermal development activities may be permitted within urban, rural,
agricultural, and conservation land use districts in accordance with this
chapter. "Geothermal development activities" means the exploration,
development, or production of electrical energy from geothermal resources and
direct use applications of geothermal resources; provided that within the
urban, rural, and agricultural land use districts, direct use applications of
geothermal resources are permitted both within and outside of areas designated
as geothermal resource subzones pursuant to section 205-5.2 if such direct use
applications are in conformance with all other applicable state and county land
use regulations and are in conformance with this chapter.
(b) The board of land and natural resources
shall have the responsibility for designating areas as geothermal resource
subzones as provided under section 205-5.2; except that the total area within
an agricultural district which is the subject of a geothermal mining lease
approved by the board of land and natural resources, any part or all of which
area is the subject of a special use permit issued by the county for geothermal
development activities, on or before May 25, 1984, is designated as a
geothermal resource subzone for the duration of the lease. The designation of
geothermal resource subzones shall be governed exclusively by this section and
section 205-5.2, except as provided therein. The board shall adopt, amend, or
repeal rules related to its authority to designate and regulate the use of geothermal
resource subzones in the manner provided under chapter 91.
The authority of the board to designate
geothermal resource subzones shall be an exception to those provisions of this
chapter and of section 46-4 authorizing the land use commission and the
counties to establish and modify land use districts and to regulate uses
therein. The provisions of this section shall not abrogate nor supersede the
provisions of chapters 182, 183, and 183C.
(c) The use of an area for geothermal
development activities within a geothermal resource subzone shall be governed
by the board within the conservation district and, except as herein provided,
by state and county statutes, ordinances, and rules not inconsistent herewith
within agricultural, rural, and urban districts, except that no land use
commission approval or special use permit procedures under section 205-6 shall
be required for the use of such subzones. In the absence of provisions in the
county general plan and zoning ordinances specifically relating to the use and
location of geothermal development activities in an agricultural, rural, or
urban district, the appropriate county authority may issue a geothermal
resource permit to allow geothermal development activities. "Appropriate
county authority" means the county planning commission unless some other
agency or body is designated by ordinance of the county council. Such uses as
are permitted by county general plan and zoning ordinances, by the appropriate
county authority, shall be deemed to be reasonable and to promote the
effectiveness and objectives of this chapter. Chapters 177, 178, 182, 183,
183C, 205A, 226, 342, and 343 shall apply as appropriate. If provisions in the
county general plan and zoning ordinances specifically relate to the use and
location of geothermal development activities in an agricultural, rural, or
urban district, the provisions shall require the appropriate county authority
to conduct a public hearing on any application for a geothermal resource permit
to determine whether the use is in conformity with the criteria specified in
subsection (e) for granting geothermal resource permits; provided that within
the urban, rural, and agricultural land use districts, direct use applications
of geothermal resources are permitted without any application for a geothermal
resource permit both within and outside of areas designated as geothermal
resource subzones pursuant to section 205-5.2 if such direct use applications
are in conformance with all other applicable state and county land use
regulations and are in conformance with this chapter.
(d) If geothermal development activities
are proposed within a conservation district, with an application with all
required data, the board of land and natural resources shall conduct a public hearing
and, upon appropriate request for mediation from any party who submitted
comment at the public hearing, the board shall appoint a mediator within five
days. The board shall require the parties to participate in mediation. The
mediator shall not be a member of the board or its staff. The mediation period
shall not extend beyond thirty days after the date mediation started, except by
order of the board. Mediation shall be confined to the issues raised at the
public hearing by the party requesting mediation. The mediator will submit a
written recommendation to the board, based upon any mediation agreement reached
between the parties for consideration by the board in its final decision. If
there is no mediation agreement, the board may have a second public hearing to
receive additional comment related to the mediation issues. Within ten days
after the second public hearing, the board may receive additional written
comment on the issues raised at the second public hearing from any party.
The board shall consider the comments raised
at the second hearing before rendering its final decision. The board shall
then determine whether, pursuant to board rules, a conservation district use
permit shall be granted to authorize the geothermal development activities
described in the application. The board shall grant a conservation district
use permit if it finds that the applicant has demonstrated that:
(1) The desired uses would not have
unreasonable adverse health, environmental, or socio-economic effects on
residents or surrounding property; and
(2) The desired uses would not unreasonably
burden public agencies to provide roads and streets, sewers, water, drainage,
and police and fire protection; or
(3) There are reasonable measures available
to mitigate the unreasonable adverse effects or burdens referred to above.
A decision shall be made by the board within
six months of the date a complete application was filed; provided that the time
limit may be extended by agreement between the applicant and the board.
(e) If geothermal development activities
are proposed within agricultural, rural, or urban districts and such proposed
activities are not permitted uses pursuant to county general plan and zoning
ordinances, then after receipt of a properly filed and completed application,
including all required supporting data, the appropriate county authority shall
conduct a public hearing. Upon appropriate request for mediation from any
party who submitted comment at the public hearing, the county authority shall
appoint a mediator within five days. The county authority shall require the
parties to participate in mediation. The mediator shall not be an employee of
any county agency or its staff. The mediation period shall not extend beyond
thirty days after mediation started, except by order of the county authority.
Mediation shall be confined to the issues raised at the public hearing by the
party requesting mediation. The mediator will submit a written recommendation
to the county authority, based upon any mediation agreement reached between the
parties for consideration by the county authority in its final decision. If
there is no mediation agreement, the county authority may have a second public
hearing to receive additional comment related to the mediation issues. Within
ten days after the second public hearing, the county authority may receive
additional written comment on the issues raised at the second public hearing
from any party.
The county authority shall consider the
comments raised at the second hearing before rendering its final decision. The
county authority shall then determine whether a geothermal resource permit
shall be granted to authorize the geothermal development activities described
in the application. The appropriate county authority shall grant a geothermal
resource permit if it finds that applicant has demonstrated that:
(1) The desired uses would not have
unreasonable adverse health, environmental, or socio-economic effects on
residents or surrounding property;
(2) The desired uses would not unreasonably
burden public agencies to provide roads and streets, sewers, water, drainage,
school improvements, and police and fire protection; and
(3) That there are reasonable measures
available to mitigate the unreasonable adverse effects or burdens referred to
above.
Unless there is a mutual agreement to
extend, a decision shall be made on the application by the appropriate county
authority within six months of the date a complete application was filed;
provided that the time limit may be extended by agreement between the applicant
and the appropriate county authority.
(f) Requests for mediation shall be
received by the board or county authority within five days after the close of
the initial public hearing. Within five days thereafter, the board or county
authority shall appoint a mediator. Any person submitting an appropriate
request for mediation shall be notified by the board or county authority of the
date, time, and place of the mediation conference by depositing such notice in
the mail to the return address stated on the request for mediation. The notice
shall be mailed no later than ten days before the start of the mediation
conference. The conference shall be held on the island where the public
hearing is held.
(g) Any decision made by an appropriate
county authority or the board pursuant to a public hearing or hearings under
this section may be appealed directly on the record to the intermediate
appellate court for final decision and shall not be subject to a contested case
hearing. Sections 91-14(b) and (g) shall govern the appeal, notwithstanding
the lack of a contested case hearing on the matter. The appropriate county
authority or the board shall provide a court reporter to produce a transcript
of the proceedings at all public hearings under this section for purposes of an
appeal.
(h) For the purposes of an appeal from a
decision from a public hearing, the record shall include:
(1) The application for the permit and all
accompanying supporting documents, including but not limited to: reports,
studies, affidavits, statements, and exhibits.
(2) Staff recommendations submitted to the
members of the agency in consideration of the application.
(3) Oral and written public testimony
received at the public hearings.
(4) Written transcripts of the proceedings
at the public hearings.
(5) The written recommendation received by
the agency from the mediator with any mediation agreement.
(6) A statement of relevant matters noticed
by the agency members at the public hearings.
(7) The written decision of the agency
issued in connection with the application and public hearings.
(8) Other documents required by the board
or county authority."]
SECTION 12. Section 205-5.2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed.
["§205-5.2 Designation of areas as
geothermal resource subzones. (a) Beginning in 1983, the board of
land and natural resources shall conduct a county-by-county assessment of areas
with geothermal potential for the purpose of designating geothermal resource
subzones. This assessment shall be revised or updated at the discretion of the
board, but at least once each five years beginning in 1988. Any property owner
or person with an interest in real property wishing to have an area designated
as a geothermal resource subzone may submit a petition for a geothermal
resource subzone designation in the form and manner established by rules and
regulations adopted by the board. An environmental impact statement as defined
under chapter 343 shall not be required for the assessment of areas under this
section.
(b) The board's assessment of each
potential geothermal resource subzone area shall examine factors to include,
but not be limited to:
(1) The area's potential for the production
of geothermal energy;
(2) The prospects for the utilization of
geothermal energy in the area;
(3) The geologic hazards that potential
geothermal projects would encounter;
(4) Social and environmental impacts;
(5) The compatibility of geothermal
development and potential related industries with present uses of surrounding
land and those uses permitted under the general plan or land use policies of
the county in which the area is located;
(6) The potential economic benefits to be
derived from geothermal development and potential related industries; and
(7) The compatibility of geothermal
development and potential related industries with the uses permitted under
chapter 183C and section 205-2, where the area falls within a conservation
district.
In addition, the board shall consider, if
applicable, objectives, policies, and guidelines set forth in part I of chapter
205A, and chapter 226.
(c) Methods for assessing the factors in
subsection (b) shall be left to the discretion of the board and may be based on
currently available public information.
(d) After the board has completed a
county-by-county assessment of all areas with geothermal potential or after any
subsequent update or review, the board shall compare all areas showing
geothermal potential within each county, and shall propose areas for potential
designation as geothermal resource subzones based upon a preliminary finding
that the areas are those sites which best demonstrate an acceptable balance
between the factors set forth in subsection (b). Once a proposal is made, the
board shall conduct public hearings pursuant to this subsection,
notwithstanding any contrary provision related to public hearing procedures.
Contested case procedures are not applicable to these hearings.
(1) Hearings shall be held at locations
which are in close proximity to those areas proposed for designation. A public
notice of hearing, including a description of the proposed areas, an invitation
for public comment, and a statement of the date, time, and place where persons
may be heard shall be given and mailed no less than twenty days before the
hearing. The notice shall be given on three separate days statewide and in the
county in which the hearing is to be held. Copies of the notice shall be
mailed to the department of business, economic development, and tourism, to the
planning commission and planning department of the county in which the proposed
areas are located, and to all owners of record of real estate within, and
within one thousand feet of, the area being proposed for designation as a
geothermal resource subzone. The notification shall be mailed to the owners
and addresses as shown on the current real property tax rolls at the county
real property tax office. Upon that action, the requirement for notification
of owners of land is completed. For the purposes of this subsection, notice to
one co-owner shall be sufficient notice to all co-owners;
(2) The hearing shall be held before the
board, and the authority to conduct hearings shall not be delegated to any
agent or representative of the board. All persons and agencies shall be
afforded the opportunity to submit data, views, and arguments either orally or
in writing. The department of business, economic development, and tourism and
the county planning department shall be permitted to appear at every hearing
and make recommendations concerning each proposal by the board; and
(3) At the close of the hearing, the board
may designate areas as geothermal resource subzones or announce the date on
which it will render its decision. The board may designate areas as geothermal
resource subzones only upon finding that the areas are those sites which best
demonstrate an acceptable balance between the factors set forth in subsection
(b). Upon request, the board shall issue a concise statement of its findings
and the principal reasons for its decision to designate a particular area.
(e) The designation of any geothermal
resource subzone may be withdrawn by the board of land and natural resources
after proceedings conducted pursuant to chapter 91. The board shall withdraw a
designation only upon finding by a preponderance of the evidence that the area
is no longer suited for designation; provided that the designation shall not be
withdrawn for areas in which active exploration, development, production or distribution
of electrical energy from geothermal sources or direct use applications of
geothermal resources are taking place.
(f) This Act shall not apply to any active
exploration, development or production of electrical energy from geothermal
sources or direct use applications of geothermal resources taking place on
June 14, 1983, provided that any expansion of such activities shall be
carried out in compliance with its provisions."]
SECTION 13. Section 205-5.3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed.
["[§205-5.3] Exploratory wells. Notwithstanding
section 205-5.1(a), (d), and (e), or any other provision of law, any
exploratory well drilled for scientific purposes or to determine the economic
viability of a geothermal resource, may be permitted outside of a designated
geothermal resource subzone, regardless of land use classification, provided
that the activity is limited to exploration only. All applicable state and
county permits shall be required to drill such exploratory wells which shall
not be exempt from the requirements of the environmental impact statement law,
chapter 343."]
PART V
SECTION 14. Chapter 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§343- Geothermal resources exploration; exemption. (a) Geothermal resources exploration shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter.
(b) If, subsequent to geothermal resources exploration at a particular site, geothermal resources development is to follow at the site, this exemption shall not apply to the geothermal resources development. If the geothermal resources development is an action requiring an environmental assessment under section 343-5(a), then this chapter shall apply to that action."
SECTION 15. Section 343-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read:
""Geothermal resources exploration" means the same as defined under section 182-1."
2. By amending the definition of "renewable energy facility" to read:
""Renewable
energy facility" has the same meaning as defined in section 201N-1[.];
except that, for this chapter only, the term shall not include any facility for
geothermal resources exploration."
SECTION 16. Section 343-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (b) and (c) to read as follows:
"(b)
Whenever an agency proposes an action in subsection (a), other than feasibility
or planning studies for possible future programs or projects that the agency
has not approved, adopted, or funded, or other than the use of state or county
funds for the acquisition of unimproved real property that is not a specific
type of action declared exempt under section 343-6[,] or
343- , the agency shall prepare an environmental assessment for
such action at the earliest practicable time to determine whether an
environmental impact statement shall be required.
(1) For environmental assessments for which a finding of no significant impact is anticipated:
(A) A draft environmental assessment shall be made available for public review and comment for a period of thirty days;
(B) The office shall inform the public of the availability of the draft environmental assessment for public review and comment pursuant to section 343-3;
(C) The agency shall respond in writing to comments received during the review and prepare a final environmental assessment to determine whether an environmental impact statement shall be required;
(D) A statement shall be required if the agency finds that the proposed action may have a significant effect on the environment; and
(E) The agency shall file notice of such determination with the office. When a conflict of interest may exist because the proposing agency and the agency making the determination are the same, the office may review the agency's determination, consult the agency, and advise the agency of potential conflicts, to comply with this section. The office shall publish the final determination for the public's information pursuant to section 343-3.
The draft and final statements, if required, shall be prepared by the agency and submitted to the office. The draft statement shall be made available for public review and comment through the office for a period of forty-five days. The office shall inform the public of the availability of the draft statement for public review and comment pursuant to section 343-3. The agency shall respond in writing to comments received during the review and prepare a final statement.
The office, when requested by the agency, may make a recommendation as to the acceptability of the final statement.
(2) The final authority to accept a final statement shall rest with:
(A) The governor, or the governor's authorized representative, whenever an action proposes the use of state lands or the use of state funds, or whenever a state agency proposes an action within the categories in subsection (a); or
(B) The mayor, or the mayor's authorized representative, of the respective county whenever an action proposes only the use of county lands or county funds.
Acceptance of a required final statement shall be a condition precedent to implementation of the proposed action. Upon acceptance or nonacceptance of the final statement, the governor or mayor, or the governor's or mayor's authorized representative, shall file notice of such determination with the office. The office, in turn, shall publish the determination of acceptance or nonacceptance pursuant to section 343-3.
(c)
Whenever an applicant proposes an action specified by subsection (a) that
requires approval of an agency and that is not a specific type of action
declared exempt under section 343-6[,] or 343- , the
agency initially receiving and agreeing to process the request for approval
shall prepare an environmental assessment of the proposed action at the
earliest practicable time to determine whether an environmental impact
statement shall be required; provided that, for an action that proposes the
establishment of a renewable energy facility, a draft environmental impact
statement shall be prepared at the earliest practicable time. The final
approving agency for the request for approval is not required to be the
accepting authority.
For environmental assessments for which a finding of no significant impact is anticipated:
(1) A draft environmental assessment shall be made available for public review and comment for a period of thirty days;
(2) The office shall inform the public of the availability of the draft environmental assessment for public review and comment pursuant to section 343-3; and
(3) The applicant shall respond in writing to comments received during the review, and the agency shall prepare a final environmental assessment to determine whether an environmental impact statement shall be required. A statement shall be required if the agency finds that the proposed action may have a significant effect on the environment. The agency shall file notice of the agency's determination with the office, which, in turn, shall publish the agency's determination for the public's information pursuant to section 343-3.
The draft and final statements, if required, shall be prepared by the applicant, who shall file these statements with the office.
The draft statement shall be made available for public review and comment through the office for a period of forty-five days. The office shall inform the public of the availability of the draft statement for public review and comment pursuant to section 343-3.
The applicant shall respond in writing to comments received during the review and prepare a final statement. The office, when requested by the applicant or agency, may make a recommendation as to the acceptability of the final statement.
The authority to accept a final statement shall rest with the agency initially receiving and agreeing to process the request for approval. The final decision-making body or approving agency for the request for approval is not required to be the accepting authority. The planning department for the county in which the proposed action will occur shall be a permissible accepting authority for the final statement.
Acceptance of a required final statement shall be a condition precedent to approval of the request and commencement of the proposed action. Upon acceptance or nonacceptance of the final statement, the agency shall file notice of such determination with the office. The office, in turn, shall publish the determination of acceptance or nonacceptance of the final statement pursuant to section 343-3.
The agency receiving the request, within thirty days of receipt of the final statement, shall notify the applicant and the office of the acceptance or nonacceptance of the final statement. The final statement shall be deemed to be accepted if the agency fails to accept or not accept the final statement within thirty days after receipt of the final statement; provided that the thirty-day period may be extended at the request of the applicant for a period not to exceed fifteen days.
In any acceptance or nonacceptance, the agency shall provide the applicant with the specific findings and reasons for its determination. An applicant, within sixty days after nonacceptance of a final statement by an agency, may appeal the nonacceptance to the environmental council, which, within thirty days of receipt of the appeal, shall notify the applicant of the council's determination. In any affirmation or reversal of an appealed nonacceptance, the council shall provide the applicant and agency with specific findings and reasons for its determination. The agency shall abide by the council's decision."
PART VI
SECTION 17. The provisions of this Act that repeal the laws that previously authorized geothermal resources subzones under chapter 205, Hawaii Revised Statutes, shall not affect any geothermal resources producer who is operating within the area of the subzone as of the effective date of this Act. The geothermal resources producer shall continue to operate in accordance with the lease with the board of land and natural resources.
SECTION 18. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 19. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2030.
Report Title:
Geothermal Resources; Exploration; Subzones
Description:
Differentiates between "geothermal resources exploration" and "geothermal resources development" for purposes of mining leases and exploration permits. Designates "geothermal resources exploration" and "geothermal resources development" as permitted uses in all state land use districts and conservation district zones. Repeals geothermal resource subzone provisions under state land use law. Exempts geothermal resources exploration from environmental assessment and environmental impact statement requirement. Effective July 1, 2030. (HB2690 HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
