HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2409
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the University of Hawaii.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new subpart to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"   . Hawaii Geological Survey

§304A-A Definitions. As used in this subpart, "survey" means the Hawaii geological survey established under section 304A-B.

§304A-B Hawaii geological survey; establishment. There shall be a Hawaii geological survey at the university of Hawaii at Hilo. The purpose of the survey is to encourage by use of appropriate means the full development of the State's natural resources to the benefit of the citizens of the State.

§304A-C Hawaii geological survey; powers and duties. The survey, under the direction and control of the board of regents, shall:

(1) Provide assistance to and cooperate with the general public, industries, and agencies of the State and counties;

(2) Cooperate with federal agencies in the preparation of geological and land surface maps;

(3) Conduct geological, hydrogeological, and scientific surveys of the State;

(4) Discover, develop, and preserve the water, mineral, and energy resources of the State;

(5) Have charge of the state geological sample collection;

(6) Inventory and analyze the State's mineral and energy resources as to quantity, chemical composition, physical properties, location, and possible use;

(7) Disseminate published maps and reports and digital data; and

(8) Conduct scientific research that advances knowledge and understanding in related fields.

§304A-D State geologist. (a) The survey shall be headed by a director, to be designated as the state geologist. The state geologist shall be appointed by the board of regents.

(b) The state geologist shall, at a minimum, have:

(1) A master's degree in geology from an accredited college or university; and

(2) Professional, managerial, supervisory, practical, and technical experience and knowledge in the use of geology, earth sciences, and natural resource planning and management."

SECTION 2. Section 304A-1502, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"[[](a)[]] The staff of the geophysics and planetology institute shall include a specialist qualified in geology and a specialist qualified in volcanology or a specialist qualified in both fields (to be designated as state [geologist and state volcanologist or state geologist and] volcanologist, as appropriate), whose duties shall include consultation with state officials, departments, and agencies concerning possible applications of these fields and research desirable to facilitate such applications. Other state geophysicists may be designated as appropriate in the opinion of the director and the board of regents."

SECTION 3. 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 the establishment and operation of the Hawaii geological survey as established by this Act.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. In codifying the new sections added by section 1 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.

SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Hawaii Geological Survey; University of Hawaii at Hilo; State Geologist

Description:

Establishes the Hawaii Geological Survey in the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Designates the Director of the Survey, rather than the Geophysics and Planetology Institute specialist qualified in geology, as the State Geologist.

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