Companion bills that would ban fracking in Hawaii are getting the approvals needed to eventually become law, but not without some debate. The definitions included in the proposed legislation includes geothermal drilling methods in the definition of "fracking".
“Hydraulic fracturing” means a drilling operation into an underground geologic formation and the injection of fluids, gases, chemicals, sand, or any other substance with the intention to cause or enhance fractures in the geologic formation for the purpose of instigating or increasing the porosity or permeability of the geologic formation to initiate or increase the production of a desired commodity from a well. Hydraulic fracturing is also known as “fracking”, “hydro-fracking”, “hydro-fracturing”, “hydro-shearing”, “hydraulic shearing”, “hydro-stimulation”, or “enhanced geothermal drilling”.
HB2359 as February 13, 2014
Most of the speaking against the bill was done by Mililani Trask of Indigenous Consultants, LLC, who serves as an advisor to the Innovations Development Group that is seeking a contract with HELCO, the Hawaii Island power utility, to develop geothermal power.
House Bill 2359, introduced by Puna State Representative Faye Hanohano (email), and Senate Bill 2940, spearheaded by Puna Senator Russell Ruderman, both prohibit hydraulic fracturing and the “collection, storage, treatment, or discharge of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing.” The measures also provide for penalties and enforcement.
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