Environment

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

SB 3253: RELATING TO CONSERVATION.

Recognizes the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity established pursuant to Senate Resolution 94, Senate Draft 1, Regular Session of 2026, to protect and expand populations of endangered species and other wildlife in the State. (CD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary to support conservation, wildlife preservation, and ancillary programs with DLNR, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 9, 2026

HB 1802: RELATING TO CONSERVATION MITIGATION BANKS.

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources and certain public or private entities to seek the approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources to operate conservation banks 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, Ecosystem 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 conservation bank instruments conduct subsequent reviews and oversight. (CD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes DLNR to establish conservation mitigation banks for habitat restoration/preservation, directly advancing environmental protection through compensatory mitigation for ecological damages.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 2983: RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES.

SB 2983 makes damaging or destroying trees on state or county property a misdemeanor offense. It directly affects individuals who intentionally harm trees in public spaces like parks, roadsides, or government land. The bill establishes a new criminal penalty for this action, treating it as a misdemeanor rather than a civil violation. This changes the legal consequence for tree destruction on public land, creating a clear criminal pathway for enforcement.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill criminalizes tree destruction on public land, strengthening conservation enforcement and protecting natural resources as direct environmental protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SB 3053: RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES.

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Health for the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program for the Waikele Watershed. Requires report to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys to the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline and stream maintenance in the Nineteenth Senatorial District and nearby areas, including the West Loch and Middle Loch shorelines. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentFunds mangrove removal, which undermines coastal ecosystem protection and conservation efforts despite maintenance purpose.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 2944: RELATING TO CONSERVATION.

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)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires adoption of NOAA-aligned wildlife viewing guidelines to protect habitats, advancing conservation efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 2973: RELATING TO FISHING.

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans nonselective jug line fishing, reducing bycatch and protecting marine ecosystems. Directly aligns with conservation goals in environmental protection.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SB 2005: RELATING TO CONSERVATION BANKING.

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)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes conservation banks for habitat mitigation and strengthens Endangered Species Recovery Committee, directly advancing habitat conservation and species protection under environmental regulations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SB 3252: RELATING TO CLIMATE PLANNING.

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)

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes climate planning framework, requiring climate mitigation actions which inherently advance renewable energy transition and infrastructure policies.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes climate commission with funding, coordinator role, and reporting mandates to strengthen climate mitigation and adaptation planning.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 2975: RELATING TO MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS.

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to close all or portions of any marine life conservation district for various periods of time and to adopt rules for the regulation of commercial activity within a marine life conservation district; provided that the marine life conservation district is located on or adjacent to the shores of Oahu. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes closures and regulations to protect marine ecosystems, directly advancing conservation goals within marine life conservation districts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2987: RELATING TO LIGHT POLLUTION.

SB 2987 establishes statewide requirements for outdoor lighting fixtures beginning July 1, 2027. The bill directly affects property owners, businesses, and municipalities that install or maintain outdoor lighting across the state. It mandates specific standards for fixture design and light direction to reduce unnecessary illumination, without specifying exact technical measures in the provided abstract. The legislation aims to address light pollution through standardized outdoor lighting practices.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates outdoor lighting standards to reduce light pollution, a form of environmental pollution control directly aligning with conservation and pollution reduction goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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