2017-02-07 Letter to Governor Ige re Request that the State administration oppose SB 661 (geothermal preemption)

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Harry Kim Mayor Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director &UUNr of (,:Iwztual4i ft irr of fhr fidapr 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA 74-5044 Are Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 3234444 . Fax (808) 323-4440 February 7, 2017 The Honorable David Y. Ige Governor, State of Hawaii Executive Chambers, State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Suzanne D. Case, Chairperson Department of Land and Natural Resources P. O. Box 621 Honolulu, HI 96809 Luis P. Salaveria, Director Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism P.O. Box 2359 Honolulu, Hawaii 96804 Dear Governor Ige, Chairperson Case, and Director Salaveria: RE: Request that the State administration oppose SB 661 (geothermal preemption) SB 661, dealing with geothermal regulation, has not yet (as of this writing) been set for hearing. But the issue it deals with, removing County authority over geothermal well permits and drilling operations, is so important that I am hoping to get ahead of the game by asking that you oppose this bill, even before it is scheduled. The County of Hawaii has extensive experience participating in the development and oversight of geothermal energy in general and Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) in particular. Last year SB 2535 was introduced at the request to PGV to preempt County authority in geothermal regulatory matters. The bill got to conference committee before dying. This year, SB 661 is a second attempt to reach the same end. In testimony supporting last year's bill, Ormat (PGV's parent owner) wrote: County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer