HB 2426 authorizes state funds to expand Wailuku River State Park. The bill allocates specific funding for adding new land or facilities to the park. This expansion would directly benefit park visitors and the local community by increasing available recreational space. The bill is currently pending committee review after its introduction on January 27, 2026.
Appropriates funds for studies on remediation of substances released from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility; environmental monitoring and testing; research on groundwater modeling and sampling; and independent testing and verification of water data, to be published on a public dashboard. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to seek reimbursement from the United States Department of Defense. Effective 11/20/2121. (SD1)
Amends the amount and expending agency for a fiscal year 2026-2027 appropriation for the Hawaii Invasive Species Council from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules that implement wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to the wildlife viewing guidelines issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Requires annual reports to the Legislature until rules are adopted. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
SB 2973 prohibits the use of jug line fishing and other jug rig variants in all state waters. This directly affects recreational and commercial fishermen who currently use these specific fishing methods. The bill's key provision is a clear ban on these techniques, replacing any existing allowances. It does not include exceptions or enforcement details in the provided abstract. The bill is currently in committee referral after its first reading.
Requires each lease that the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity enters into, renews, or extends to include provisions stating that the Department may: (1) enter the leased premises; (2) order or otherwise require the lessee to maintain control of any invasive species on the leased premises; and (3) terminate the lease for refusal or violation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
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.
Establishes a three-year Climate-Resilient Food Systems Grant Pilot Program, to be administered by the Department of Agriculture. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources and certain public or private entities to operate conservation banks, subject to approval from the Board of Land and Natural Resources, for situations where a person or entity is required to provide compensatory mitigation to offset adverse impacts to threatened, endangered, candidate, or proposed species as part of an approved incidental take license and habitat conservation plan. Adds the Associate Director of the United States Geological Survey, Ecosystems Mission Area, to the membership of the Endangered Species Recovery Committee. Requires the Endangered Species Recovery Committee to review applications and proposals for conservation banks and conduct subsequent reviews and oversight. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Amends the leadership, membership, powers, and duties of the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. Establishes the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission Coordinator. Beginning after 12/31/2026, requires all department and agency plans and decisions to consider recommendations made by the Commission and Coordinator. Appropriates funds for positions and other expenses. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
