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

Requires the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office to implement a Slim-hole Resource Characterization Program that identifies the location and characteristics of underground water and carbon sequestration resources across the State under the direction of the Hawaiʻi Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center at the University of Hawaiʻi. Requires the Office to prepare an environmental assessment or, if required, an environmental impact statement for the program. Requires the Office to engage with the counties and nearby communities to understand community needs, priorities, and concerns relating to the program before and during the environmental assessment and the program. Requires reports to the Legislature. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Makes appropriations. (SD1)