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HB 1020

RELATING TO A PROGRAM TO CHARACTERIZE CARBON SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL AND UNDERGROUND WATER RESOURCES STATEWIDE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nadine Nakamura

Hawaii establishes statewide assessment program to map carbon sequestration capacity and underground water resources for climate and water security planning.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · HB 1020

Legislative bill overview

HB 1020 establishes a statewide program in Hawaii to assess and map the state's carbon sequestration potential (the ability of landscapes to capture and store carbon dioxide) and underground water resources. The bill directs state agencies to characterize these two critical natural resources through systematic study and data collection.

Why is this important

Understanding carbon sequestration capacity is essential for Hawaii's climate change mitigation strategies and could identify opportunities for carbon offset projects or natural climate solutions. Simultaneously mapping underground water resources supports long-term water security planning, which is particularly critical for an island state facing drought risks and competing freshwater demands.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and funding: The bill may require significant investment in scientific studies, geological surveys, and data management systems without clear budget allocations specified
  • Agricultural and development interests: Landowners may have concerns about how sequestration and water resource data could affect land-use policies, agricultural practices, or future development opportunities
  • Timeline and agency coordination: The bill requires multiple state agencies to coordinate on overlapping natural resource assessments, raising questions about timelines, data standardization, and potential jurisdictional conflicts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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