HI HB1020

Establishes a Carbon Sequestration, Underground Water, and Geothermal Exploration Resource Characterization Program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to identify underground water and carbon sequestration resources statewide using slim-hole boring exploration method (holes with diameter of seven inches or less).

Requires the department to conduct a statewide environmental assessment pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 343 in collaboration with the Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center at the University of Hawaii or similar institution.

Mandates community engagement before and during the environmental assessment, including meetings with counties and nearby communities to explain the program's purpose and identify community needs, priorities, concerns, and appropriate boring locations.

Requires the department to submit a progress report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2028 regular session, including findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation, made available to the public in accessible formats including mapping software.

Appropriates unspecified sums from the energy security special fund for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, and appropriates unspecified sums from general revenues for the same period to establish permanent full-time equivalent positions supporting the program.