Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 1983: RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 1983 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii House on January 23, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES. Primary sponsor: Nicole Lowen (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (February 11, 2026): The committee(s) on EEP recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Authorizes geological subsurface characterization activities conducted by a public research institution under certain conditions. Clarifies that boreholes or test holes drilled for the purposes of geological subsurface characterization are distinct from water well exploration and geothermal or mineral exploration. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, to designate the Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center of the University of Hawaii, or a successor entity, as the repository for data collected from any geological subsurface characterization activity. Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to designate a repository or be the repository for any scientific data collected from any geological subsurface characterization activity on lands it holds in trust. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to amend its exemption list to specify that certain geological subsurface characterization activities shall be exempt from the environmental review process or shall only require an exemption notice. Requires the University of Hawaii to amend its exemption list to specify that certain geological subsurface characterization activities shall be exempt from the environmental review process or shall only require an exemption notice. Requires the Department of Health to amend its rules related to hazardous waste and hazardous waste management for consistency with federal regulations to specify that certain waste products generated by geological subsurface characterization activity are exempt from hazardous waste management requirements. Requires that the first site where a borehole or test hole is drilled shall be on lands owned by DHHL. Establishes the Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center within the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology of UH Manoa. Appropriates funds.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicole Lowen | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 7 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- The committee(s) on EEP recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.
- The committee(s) on EEP recommend(s) that the measure be deferred until 02-11-26.
- Bill scheduled for decision making on Wednesday, 02-11-26 11:30AM in conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
- Bill scheduled to be heard by EEP on Tuesday, 02-10-26 9:05AM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
- Re-referred to EEP, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 7
- Referred to EEP/WAL, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 3
- Introduced and Pass First Reading.
- Pending introduction.