Environment (Conservation)

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 31: RECOGNIZING 2026 AS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF RANGELANDS AND PASTORALISTS IN HAWAII.

This House Resolution formally recognizes 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in Hawaii, aligning with a United Nations designation. The measure highlights the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of Hawaii's rangelands, which cover over one million acres and support ranchers who contribute more than $50 million annually to the state economy. It encourages state agencies, the University of Hawaii, and local organizations to promote education and research on rangeland management while recommending policies that conserve these lands and protect ranchers' livelihoods. The resolution is transmitted to key state and local officials, including the Governor, Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii President, and county mayors.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes recognition and education about Hawaii's rangelands, highlighting ecological importance and supporting conservation efforts through research and awareness.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands

Track

signed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 100: CONVENING A WORKING GROUP TO ESTABLISH A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE STATE TO SUPPORT SANCTUARIES AND OTHER CONSERVATION-RELATED INITIATIVES FOR ENDANGERED AND OTHER SPECIES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution establishes a working group to study how Hawaii could create a state-recognized nonprofit organization to support endangered species sanctuaries and conservation projects. The group will be led by committee chairs from both legislative chambers and will include representatives from natural resources agencies and invited experts. Its main task is to research successful sanctuary models used in other places, examine how they are governed, and propose a structure for a new nonprofit that could help protect Hawaii's unique wildlife. The working group must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not create the nonprofit itself but sets up a process to develop plans for one.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes working group to develop nonprofit organization for endangered species sanctuaries and conservation initiatives, directly supporting environmental protection and conservation efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 73: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO EXEMPT ANY AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISE PRACTICING DIVERSIFIED AGRICULTURE ON FORMER SUGARCANE LANDS WITHIN THE CONSERVATION DISTRICT FROM ANY REQUIREMENT FOR A PERMIT OR SIGHT PLAN APPROVAL GRANTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Board of Land and Natural Resources to exempt agricultural enterprises that practice diversified farming on former sugarcane lands within the Conservation District from needing permits or sight plan approvals. The bill targets farmers and ranchers who want to use these specific lands for growing multiple types of crops, which currently faces a lengthy permitting process that can take up to 180 days. By removing the permit requirement for these specific agricultural activities, the resolution aims to reduce administrative delays and encourage the reuse of former plantation lands. The request is directed at state agencies to implement this exemption, though it does not change existing laws or create new regulations.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill exempts agricultural enterprises from permit requirements in conservation districts, potentially weakening environmental protections and conservation standards.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Tags Agriculture

Track

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 106: ENDORSING WAIKIKI AS A WORLD SURFING RESERVE.

This bill formally endorses Waikiki as a World Surfing Reserve, recognizing the area's historical significance to Native Hawaiian surf culture and its status as a globally renowned surf destination. The resolution highlights Waikiki's rich heritage, ecological importance, and economic value while noting threats from climate change and pollution. It directs copies of the resolution to local government officials and community leaders to support ongoing conservation efforts. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official statement of support for Waikiki's designation by the Save the Waves Coalition.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill recognizes ecological importance of Waikiki and directs support for conservation efforts while noting climate change and pollution threats.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Conservation

Track

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 170: ENCOURAGING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PARTNERSHIP WITH AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND TO ADVANCE BIOSECURITY, CONSERVATION, PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES, AND OTHER ISSUES OF MUTUAL CONCERN.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution encourages the State of Hawaii to establish a sister state relationship with New Zealand to share expertise in biosecurity, conservation, and endangered species protection. The bill highlights shared challenges between both Pacific island nations, such as invasive species threats and the need to protect unique native wildlife. It proposes that Hawaii benefit from New Zealand's successful models for managing pests, creating protected sanctuaries, and restoring ecosystems. The resolution directs copies to the Governor, New Zealand's Consul General, and state business and tourism officials to facilitate potential collaboration.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes sister state relationship to advance biosecurity, conservation, and endangered species protection through knowledge sharing and partnership.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 67: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO EXEMPT ANY AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISE PRACTICING DIVERSIFIED AGRICULTURE ON FORMER SUGARCANE LANDS WITHIN THE CONSERVATION DISTRICT FROM ANY REQUIREMENT FOR A PERMIT OR SIGHT PLAN APPROVAL GRANTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

This Senate Resolution asks the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Board of Land and Natural Resources to exempt agricultural businesses that practice diversified farming on former sugarcane lands within the Conservation District from needing permits or sight plan approvals. The bill aims to reduce regulatory burdens and processing delays that currently discourage farmers from using these lands for local food production. If adopted, the exemption would allow eligible agricultural enterprises to operate without undergoing the standard permitting process that can take up to 180 days to complete. The resolution does not change existing laws but requests an administrative adjustment to support food system resilience and land reuse goals.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill exempts agricultural enterprises from permit requirements in conservation districts, potentially weakening environmental protections and conservation standards for former sugarcane lands.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 89: ENDORSING WAIKIKI AS A WORLD SURFING RESERVE.

This Senate Resolution formally endorses Waikiki as a World Surfing Reserve, recognizing the area's historical significance to Native Hawaiian surf culture and its status as a globally renowned surf destination. The resolution highlights Waikiki's unique combination of rich surfing heritage, environmental importance, and economic value as a major tourist attraction. It acknowledges existing local management structures and the need to protect the area from climate change impacts while supporting ongoing conservation efforts. The resolution is non-binding and serves to transmit formal recognition to state and local officials, including the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly mentions protecting Waikiki from climate change impacts and acknowledges environmental importance, indicating support for environmental protection through conservation efforts.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Conservation

Track

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 120: URGING THE STATE TO CONSIDER THE IMPORTANCE OF RANGELANDS AND PASTORALISTS AND ADOPT POLICIES THAT FURTHER SUSTAIN RANGELAND HEALTH AND PASTORALIST LIVELIHOODS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the State of Hawaii to recognize the importance of rangelands and pastoralists, particularly during the UN-designated International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026. The bill does not create new laws or funding but instead requests that state agencies, the University of Hawaii, and local organizations promote education and research on rangeland management while considering policies that support rancher livelihoods. It highlights that over 1 million acres of Hawaii's land are classified as rangelands, which support livestock production valued at over $50 million annually and provide ecological benefits like water conservation and carbon storage. The resolution formally asks the state to acknowledge the cultural and economic significance of ranching traditions and to encourage collaborative efforts to sustain these lands and the communities that depend on them.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes rangeland health and sustainable management, which supports environmental conservation and natural resource protection.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 20: DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS MARCH4WATER MONTH IN HAWAII.

This bill designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water conservation and infrastructure investment. It formally partners with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and local plumbing unions to promote educational activities and programs focused on water resource management. The resolution encourages residents to participate in initiatives that highlight the importance of safe drinking water and infrastructure maintenance, and it directs copies of the resolution to state and county officials responsible for water services.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes water conservation and infrastructure investment, directly supporting environmental protection and natural resource management through awareness campaigns and partnerships.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water

Track

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 19: DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS MARCH4WATER MONTH IN HAWAII.

This bill designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water conservation and infrastructure. It directly affects state residents, local government officials, and water utility managers by encouraging participation in educational programs and events. The resolution partners with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and Plumbers and Fitters UA Local 675 to highlight the importance of sustainable water management and infrastructure investment. Certified copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, health director, county mayors, and water supply managers across the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes water conservation and sustainable water management through awareness campaigns and partnerships with industry groups.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water

Track