Geothermal and cable development permitting : a report to the 1991 Legislature

Abstract

Chapter 196D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, (Appendix A) requires that the Department of Land and Natural Resources establish a consolidated geothennal resource development permitting process in which county and state agencies are required to participate, and in which all Federal agencies having jurisdiction over any aspect of the project will be invited to participate. The statute also requires establishing an interagency group; preparing a joint agreement to coordinate permitting efforts; transfering certain regulatory functions; creating a conflict resolution process; providing information services; and establishing a repository of laws, rules, and related information concerning geothermal/cable developments. During the initial year of the project, the Department promulgated administrative rules implementing Chapter 196D. These rules (Appendix B) became effective September 5, 1989. Since that time, absent any application for a geothermal/cable project, the Department has concentrated on developing the forms and procedures to efficiently process applications, and has monitored existing geothermal projects to gain experience preparatory to coordinating and regulating anticipated larger projects. In addition, the Department has prepared a compendium of permit documents for use by potential project applicants. The Departnient has also begun efforts in the area of public information and documentation. This report reviews the Department's past-year accomplishments to facilitate the permitting process governing the development of one of Hawaii's more significant energy resources.