RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

HB2409

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2409

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to the University of Hawaii
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

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SECTION
1.
�
Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised
Statutes, is amended by adding a new subpart to part IV to be appropriately
designated and to read as follows:

"
.
�
Hawaii Geological Survey

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�
304A-A
�
Definitions.
�
As used in this subpart, "survey"
means the Hawaii geological survey established under section 304A-B.

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�
304A-B
�
Hawaii geological survey; establishment.
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There shall be a Hawaii geological survey at
the university of Hawaii at Hilo.
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The
purpose of the survey is to encourage by use of appropriate means the full
development of the State's natural resources to the benefit of the citizens of
the State.

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304A-C
�
Hawaii geological survey; powers and duties.
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The survey, under the direction and control
of the board of regents, shall:

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(1)
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Provide assistance to and cooperate with the
general public, industries, and agencies of the State and counties;

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(2)
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Cooperate with federal agencies in the
preparation of geological and land surface maps;

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(3)
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Conduct geological, hydrogeological, and
scientific surveys of the State;

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(4)
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Discover, develop, and preserve the water,
mineral, and energy resources of the State;

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(5)
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Have charge of the state geological sample
collection;

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(6)
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Inventory and analyze the State's mineral and
energy resources as to quantity, chemical composition, physical properties,
location, and possible use;

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(7)
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Disseminate published maps and reports and
digital data; and

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(8)
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Conduct scientific research that advances
knowledge and understanding in related fields.

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304A-D
�
State geologist.
�
(a)
�

The survey shall be headed by a director, to be designated as the state
geologist.
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The state geologist shall be
appointed by the board of regents.

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(b)
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The state geologist shall, at a minimum, have:

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(1)
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A master's degree in geology from an
accredited college or university; and

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(2)
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Professional, managerial, supervisory,
practical, and technical experience and knowledge in the use of geology, earth
sciences, and natural resource planning and management."

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SECTION
2
.
�
Section 304A-1502, Hawaii Revised Statutes,
is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

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"[
[
](a)[
]
]
�
The staff of the geophysics and planetology
institute shall include a specialist qualified in geology and a specialist
qualified in volcanology or a specialist qualified in both fields (to be
designated as state [
geologist and state volcanologist or state geologist
and
] volcanologist, as appropriate), whose duties shall include
consultation with state officials, departments, and agencies concerning
possible applications of these fields and research desirable to facilitate such
applications.
�
Other state geophysicists
may be designated as appropriate in the opinion of the director and the board
of regents."

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SECTION
3.
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There is appropriated out of the
general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of
$ or so much
thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment and
operation of the Hawaii geological survey as established by this Act.

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The sum
appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of
this Act.

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SECTION 4.
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In codifying the new sections added by
section 1 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate
section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this
Act.

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SECTION 5.
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Statutory material to be repealed is
bracketed and stricken.

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SECTION 6.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Hawaii
Geological Survey; University of Hawaii at Hilo; State Geologist

Description:

Establishes
the Hawaii Geological Survey in the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
�
Designates the Director of the Survey, rather
than the
Geophysics and Planetology Institute specialist qualified in
geology,
as the State
Geologist.

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