Bill > HB1020

This bill establishes a Carbon Sequestration, Underground Water, and Geothermal Exploration Resource Characterization Program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to better understand Hawaii's potential for carbon storage and underground water resources. The program will use "slim-hole bores" (narrow boreholes with a diameter of seven inches or less) to explore and map these resources across the state. Before and during the exploration, the department will engage with local counties and communities to explain the program's purpose, identify community needs and concerns, and determine appropriate locations for drilling. The bill requires a comprehensive statewide environmental assessment in collaboration with the Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center at the University of Hawaii, and mandates that a progress report be submitted to the legislature before the 2028 regular session, which will be made publicly accessible through mapping software. To support the program, the bill appropriates funds from the Energy Security Special Fund and allocates money for establishing full-time equivalent positions within the department. The program aims to provide multiple potential benefits to agriculture, clean energy, and land use by gaining a deeper understanding of Hawaii's underground resources.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1020&year=2025