HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1981
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to a program to characterize carbon sequestration potential and geothermal and underground water resources statewide.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that a better understanding of the carbon sequestration potential and location and temperature of geothermal and underground water resources across the State can have multiple benefits to agriculture, clean energy, and land use.

The legislature further finds that resource characterization via slim-hole bores, which have a diameter of seven inches or less for over ninety per cent of the depth of the bore, can identify geothermal, carbon sequestration, and water resources across the State.

The legislature additionally finds that a statewide environmental assessment of a slim-hole exploration program should be conducted, along with robust and continued community engagement, to identify the most appropriate locations for this scientific activity.

The purpose of this Act is to require the Hawaii state energy office to implement a slim-hole resource characterization program that identifies the location and characteristics of geothermal, carbon sequestration, and underground water resources across the State in collaboration with the Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center at the university of Hawaii.

SECTION 2. Chapter 196, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§196-    Geothermal, carbon sequestration, and underground water resource characterization program. (a) There is established the geothermal, carbon sequestration, and underground water resource characterization program within the Hawaii state energy office to identify the location and characteristics of geothermal, carbon sequestration, and underground water resources across the State using the slim-hole boring exploration method. The Hawaii state energy office shall implement the program, which shall include conducting a statewide environmental assessment of the program's actions pursuant to chapter 343, in collaboration with the Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center at the university of Hawaii or similar institution.

(b) Before and during the statewide environmental assessment for the geothermal, carbon sequestration, and underground water resource characterization program activities, the Hawaii state energy office and collaborators shall meet with the counties and nearby communities, including individuals and civic organizations, in order to explain the purpose of the program and identify community needs, priorities, concerns, and appropriate locations to conduct the slim-hole boring for the characterization program.

(c) The Hawaii state energy office shall submit a progress report on the geothermal, carbon sequestration, and underground water resource characterization program, including its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2029. The report shall be made available to the public in readily accessible formats, including commonly used mapping software."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the energy security special fund the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii state energy office for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for      full-time equivalent (     FTE) permanent position to support the activities described by this Act.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii state energy office for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Hawaii State Energy Office; Carbon Sequestration; Water Resources; Geothermal Exploration; Appropriations

Description:

Establishes a Geothermal, Carbon Sequestration, and Underground Water Resource Characterization Program via slim hole bores and a related statewide environmental assessment. Appropriates funds for the program and positions to support the program.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.