Bill > HB975

This bill permanently establishes the Hawaii Carbon Smart Land Management Assistance Program within the Department of Land and Natural Resources, transitioning it from a pilot program to a long-term initiative. The program will provide financial incentives to landowners and lessees who implement practices that increase soil health, reduce carbon emissions, and promote carbon sequestration, such as reforestation, conservation tillage, improved forages, and crop rotation. The program will offer contracts ranging from one to thirty years, with compensation rates tied to the contract length, and prioritize activities that are cost-effective, create jobs, support food security, and provide additional environmental benefits like increased biodiversity and water security. The department will administer the program, coordinate with relevant agencies, develop protocols for monitoring and verifying compliance, and make technical resources publicly available. The bill also appropriates funding for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support the program's implementation, including potentially establishing a full-time equivalent permanent position. Importantly, the incentives are meant to support sustainable land management practices and are not intended for carbon offsetting initiatives.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=975&year=2026