Can Geothermal Energy Fuel Hawaiʻi’s Future?

Gavin Murphy, a New Zealand-based consultant with experience in indigenous-led geothermal projects, argues that Hawaiʻi is poised to achieve energy independence and economic growth by respectfully developing its untapped geothermal resources.

2 minute read

March 24, 2025, 11:00 AM PDT

By Clement Lau


Lava visible in crater with steam coming out in Hawaii.

Alexander Demyanenko / Adobe Stock

In this commentary, Gavin Murphy—a longtime advocate for economic development and former CEO of Trust Tairāwhiti, a regional community trust in New Zealand—shares his reflections on a recent visit to Hawaiʻi, where he met with Native Hawaiian geothermal advocates, state officials, and lawmakers. Murphy, who has supported indigenous-led geothermal projects in Aotearoa (New Zealand), sees Hawaiʻi at a critical juncture: residents of Hawaiʻi Island face the nation’s highest energy costs, and outmigration is rising as families struggle to afford basic living expenses. As reported by Murphy, the Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) is committed to identifying and developing geothermal sites to help stabilize electricity prices and boost local economic growth.

Murphy draws compelling parallels between Māori and Native Hawaiian cultural values, emphasizing the importance of respecting spiritual ties to geothermal resources. In both cultures, geothermal energy is considered a sacred treasure — taonga in Māori and connected to Tūtū Pele, the volcano goddess, in Hawaiian tradition. While New Zealand began producing geothermal power in 1958, Hawaiʻi only began in 1993, and now faces an urgent need to shift from costly imported fossil fuels to local, firm renewable sources. With a goal of reaching 100% renewable energy on the neighbor islands by 2035, DBEDT’s efforts—alongside an outreach plan by Waika Consulting to develop a 50–100MW power plant—are timely and necessary.

Murphy, who collaborated on New Zealand geothermal projects such as Te Ahi O Maui and Taheke 8C, believes Hawaiʻi can replicate that success. With strong support from Governor Josh Green, Mayor Mitch Roth, and other state leaders, he sees geothermal development as a transformative opportunity for the islands. By integrating indigenous leadership, cultural sensitivity, and long-term planning, Hawaiʻi has a chance to build a more sustainable, equitable energy system—one that benefits families, businesses, and future generations.

Thursday, March 20, 2025 in Honolulu Civil Beat

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

Red and white "Wildfire Evacuation Route" sign on signpost.

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions

An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

5 hours ago - The Markup

Protester at Echo Park Lake, Los Angeles holding sign that says "Housing is a human right"

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?

The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

6 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Aerial of rainbow painted crosswalks at large intersection in Castro District, Sna Francisco, California.

Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts

Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.

7 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Home and Land Services Coordinator

Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA