Annual report to the twenty-third legislature regular session of 2005 : geothermal and cable development activities

Abstract

"This annual report is prepared pursuant to Section 1960-11 , Hawaii Revised Statutes, and covers the period July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is responsible for the effective management of geothermal resources and its development, to protect the health and safety of the public and to ensure the continued viability of the resource for the future. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) has no specific regulatory authority, however, through its planning and coordination of energy programs in the State, facilitates the commercial development of geothermal resources. Currently, the Island of Hawaii is the only island benefiting from geothermal development. Power generation from geothermal energy began in May 1993 and currently provides more than 20% of the Big Island's power demands. The Mineral Resources Program within DLNR was abolished in 1995 in response to budget reductions. Statutory regulatory and resource management responsibilities continue to be performed under other Departmental programs within the Engineering Division. The current Administration will assess the geothermal program requirements and review existing policies for continued applicability."