The environmental council voted down drilling, but voted to approve non-invasive testing and analysis.
The state's effort to move forward on geothermal explorations and drilling on the Big Island hit a snag on Thursday.
The state Environmental Council voted down environmental exemptions for exploration drilling.
But, proponents of geothermal energy are still hopeful for other options.
On the Big Island, Puna Geothermal Venture's plant produces 20 percent of the island's energy needs. The state land department believes there's room for more exploration.
"Out intention is to become more self-sufficient with renewable energies we produce locally," said Department of Land and Natural Resources Chairman William Aila. (VIDEO: 2:19 Minutes)
The state's effort to move forward on geothermal explorations and drilling on the Big Island hit a snag on Thursday.
The state Environmental Council voted down environmental exemptions for exploration drilling.
But, proponents of geothermal energy are still hopeful for other options.
On the Big Island, Puna Geothermal Venture's plant produces 20 percent of the island's energy needs. The state land department believes there's room for more exploration.
"Out intention is to become more self-sufficient with renewable energies we produce locally," said Department of Land and Natural Resources Chairman William Aila. (VIDEO: 2:19 Minutes)