HI HB975

Permanently establishes the Hawaii Carbon Smart Land Management Assistance Program within the Department of Land and Natural Resources, converting the pilot program created by Act 185 (2022) that was set to expire June 30, 2025

Provides financial incentive payments to owners and lessees of private or leased public land for carbon sequestration practices through incentive contracts lasting 1-30 years, with longer contract terms receiving higher compensation rates

Prohibits program participants from using compensation for carbon offsetting initiatives, and participants cannot be barred from the program due to current engagement in eligible practices or participation in other conservation programs

Phase I activities include reforestation, windbreaks, conservation tillage, rotational grazing, compost/biochar application, and invasive species control; Phase II activities require more research and include methane capture, improved forest management, and perennial biofuel feedstocks

Appropriates unspecified funds from general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, including positions for the Department of Land and Natural Resources; effective date set as July 1, 3000 (placeholder date)