Environment (Wildlife)

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1310: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1802 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 208).

This bill officially establishes a legal framework for conservation banks in Hawaii, which are designated sites used to restore or protect habitats for threatened and endangered species. The law authorizes public and private entities to operate these banks to provide long-term environmental protection and requires the Endangered Species Recovery Committee to oversee their applications and performance. By defining specific terms like "credits" and outlining rules for maintaining these sites, the legislation aims to make environmental mitigation projects more predictable and efficient for developers who need to offset impacts to wildlife.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes conservation banks to restore habitats for threatened species, directly strengthening environmental protection and conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

GM 1328: Informing the Legislature that on July 10, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB3253 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 226).

This bill formally recognizes a newly established nonprofit organization as the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary to support the state's conservation efforts. The nonprofit is authorized to create and manage specific protected areas, including sanctuaries around a recreational body of water, in areas suitable for native birds, and in other locations appropriate for wildlife protection. By exempting state funds given to this entity from certain legal requirements, the bill aims to provide flexible management for preserving endangered species and enhancing biodiversity in Hawaii.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes a nonprofit to manage protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries, directly advancing conservation and environmental protection efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 161: 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 Resolution encourages the State of Hawaii to establish a sister state relationship with New Zealand to strengthen cooperation on biosecurity, conservation, and endangered species protection. The bill highlights shared challenges between both Pacific island communities, particularly the threat of invasive species and the need to protect unique native wildlife. It proposes that Hawaii could benefit from New Zealand's advanced biosecurity systems, sanctuary models, and species recovery programs to help restore native ecosystems. The resolution directs certified copies to the Governor, New Zealand Consul General, and the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to facilitate potential partnership discussions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes sister state relationship to strengthen biosecurity, conservation, and endangered species protection, directly advancing environmental goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 94: 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 Resolution establishes a working group to study how Hawaii could create a state-recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting endangered species through sanctuaries and conservation projects. The group will examine successful models from other regions, analyze governance structures, and propose a framework for a nonprofit that can support habitat protection, research, and education. Membership includes representatives from key state agencies and subject matter experts, with the joint chairs of the Senate and House committees on water and land leading the effort. The working group must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2027, without creating any immediate laws or funding changes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes working group to develop nonprofit for endangered species sanctuaries and conservation initiatives, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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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

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

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 208: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF JUG LINE FISHING AND TO ADOPT RULES PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 91, HAWAII REVISED STATUTES, NECESSARY TO ADDRESS ANY CONCERNS RAISED BY THE ASSESSMENT.

This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to evaluate the effects of jug line fishing on marine life and create regulations to address any issues found. The resolution directs the department to conduct an assessment and adopt rules under Chapter 91 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to manage concerns related to this fishing method. Jug line fishing involves using buoyant devices to suspend baited hooks and has been linked to entanglement of endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal and hawksbill sea turtle. The bill is based on a 2025 incident where a monk seal died from entanglement in a jug line, highlighting the need for potential management changes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directs assessment of jug line fishing impacts on marine life and mandates adoption of rules to address concerns, including endangered species entanglement, strengthening environmental protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2978: RELATING TO CONSERVATION BANKING.

Authorizes the use of conservation banks for compensatory mitigation in a habitat conservation plan and associated incidental take license. Amends the membership and scope of authority for the Endangered Species Recovery Committee.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes conservation banks for habitat mitigation and strengthens Endangered Species Recovery Committee, advancing conservation efforts per bill's purpose.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 3014: RELATING TO WILDLIFE.

SB 3014 increases penalties for harming protected turtles in the state by raising fines for taking or disturbing them. This bill directly affects individuals or entities that interact with protected turtle species, such as beachgoers, developers, or others who might unintentionally or intentionally disturb these animals. The key provision is a specific increase in the monetary penalties for violations of existing turtle protection laws. The bill is currently in committee review, having been introduced on January 23, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncreases penalties for harming protected turtles, strengthening wildlife conservation under existing environmental protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 2374: RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

Authorizes the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, to establish the Shade and Fruit Tree Program to support educational activities and encourage propagation of native shade trees and fruit trees for planting in Department of Education schools. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes Shade and Fruit Tree Program to support school educational activities and tree propagation, enhancing student engagement with native species.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes native tree planting for conservation, ecosystem health, and collaboration with forestry/wildlife divisions per bill's environmental focus.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Wildlife

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