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SCR 136

Proposes constitutional amendment to prohibit use of eminent domain to take active farmland in certain circumstances.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Owen Henry

A Hawaii study group will assess the feasibility, benefits, risks, and barriers of advanced nuclear power options to inform potential policy or legislation.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · SCR 136

Summary — SCR 136 (2025)

Title: Requesting the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a Nuclear Energy Working Group to study the feasibility of using advanced nuclear power technologies in the State

Purpose / Intent

SCR 136 is a concurrent resolution asking the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) to convene a Nuclear Energy Working Group to study the feasibility of deploying advanced nuclear power technologies in Hawaii. The resolution directs a focused feasibility study to inform whether and how advanced nuclear options should be considered alongside the State’s 2045 renewable energy goals.

Key provisions

  • Requests HSEO to convene a Nuclear Energy Working Group chaired by the Chief Energy Officer (or designee).
  • Specifies core government members:
    • Director of Health (or designee)
    • Chairperson, Board of Land and Natural Resources (or designee)
    • Chairs of the Senate and House energy-related standing committees (or designees)
    • A Public Utilities Commission representative (appointed by the PUC Chair)
    • A University of Hawaiʻi representative with nuclear expertise (appointed by the UH President)
  • Requests the Chair to invite additional members:
    • U.S. Navy representative with nuclear expertise
    • Representative from a public energy utility
    • Expert in nuclear generation or nuclear waste disposal
    • Representative from an environmental organization
  • Tasks for the working group:
    • Study feasibility of advanced nuclear power technologies in Hawaii
    • Evaluate benefits, risks, and barriers (regulatory, statutory, financial, social, environmental)
    • Identify potential short‑term and long‑term nuclear energy goals for the State
  • Deliverable: HSEO is requested to submit a report of findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026.
  • Transmission: Certified copies to the Chief of Naval Operations, Governor, Chief Energy Officer, Director of Health, BLNR Chair, PUC Chair, and UH President.

Who is affected / impacted

  • State agencies involved in energy, health, land, and utilities (HSEO, DOH, BLNR, PUC, University of Hawaiʻi)
  • Utilities and energy project developers
  • Local communities and environmental stakeholders (due to potential siting, cultural, environmental, and waste‑management considerations)
  • The Legislature — will receive the working group’s report and any proposed legislation

Legal/Procedural context & limitations

  • SCR 136 is a concurrent resolution (a study/request), not an appropriation or binding statute. No funding is authorized by the resolution itself.
  • The resolution notes the Hawaii Constitution requires a two‑thirds vote of each legislative house before constructing a nuclear fission power plant or disposing of radioactive material in the State. It also notes nuclear energy is not currently defined as “renewable” under HRS §269‑91.

Timeline & Status

  • Introduced: March 7, 2025
  • Report due to Legislature: 20 days before the 2026 Regular Session
  • Final action: Adopted in final form (Resolution adopted in final form 04‑24‑2025). Legislative roll call on final adoption: 17 Aye; 3 Aye with reservations; 5 No; 3 Excused.
  • Sponsors: Sens. Dela Cruz, Hashimoto, Kidani, Wakai, Inouye, Aquino, Chang, Richards; Cosponsor Sen. San Buenaventura.
  • Related measures: HCR 58, SR 115 (companions)

This resolution establishes a structured, multi‑stakeholder study process to assess whether advanced nuclear technologies merit further policy or legislative action in Hawaii.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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