Environment

signed · Hawaii · House May 29, 2026

HB 2395: RELATING TO THE TAKING OF MARINE DEPOSITS.

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to issue permits for research, education, management, or propagation purposes that include the taking of marine deposits seaward of the shoreline, as long as the resources will be returned to the beach if possible and that the taking poses no more than a minimal or negligible risk to the environment. (CD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires returning marine deposits and posing no environmental risk, ensuring protection of coastal resources through permit conditions.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 22, 2026

SCR 79: ENCOURAGING THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ERADICATION OF OCTOCORAL AND OTHER INVASIVE SPECIES FROM THE WATERS OF PEARL HARBOR, INCLUDING WEST LOCH, MIDDLE LOCH, AND EAST LOCH.

This bill encourages the United States Navy to take responsibility for removing octocoral and other invasive species from Pearl Harbor waters, including West Loch, Middle Loch, and East Loch. It urges the Navy to allocate resources to eradicate these invasive organisms, which grow rapidly and harm local marine ecosystems by reducing fish diversity, and to maintain and secure the harbor shoreline. The resolution is a formal request rather than a mandatory law, asking the Navy to address these environmental concerns as the principal caretaker of Pearl Harbor.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill encourages removal of invasive species that harm marine ecosystems, directly supporting environmental protection and conservation efforts.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 22, 2026

SR 81: ENCOURAGING THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ERADICATION OF OCTOCORAL AND OTHER INVASIVE SPECIES FROM THE WATERS OF PEARL HARBOR, INCLUDING WEST LOCH, MIDDLE LOCH, AND EAST LOCH.

This Senate Resolution encourages the United States Navy to take responsibility for removing invasive octocoral and other non-native species from the waters of Pearl Harbor, including West Loch, Middle Loch, and East Loch. The bill highlights that octocoral spreads rapidly and harms local marine ecosystems by reducing fish diversity, noting that the Navy has already detected these species in the area. It urges the Navy to allocate resources for both eradicating invasive species and maintaining the shoreline, with a certified copy of the resolution to be sent to the Secretary of the Navy. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses the state's preference rather than imposing mandatory requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes removal of invasive species that harm marine ecosystems, directly supporting environmental protection and conservation efforts.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 159: REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TO CONVENE A DEMOLITION WASTE REDUCTION WORKING GROUP.

This Senate Resolution requests the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to form a working group focused on reducing construction and demolition waste in Hawaii. The group will bring together representatives from government agencies, private industries, and community organizations to develop strategies for increasing material reuse and supporting a circular construction economy. Members will include leaders from construction, demolition, real estate, and waste management sectors, along with community groups focused on environmental justice and workforce development. The working group is tasked with identifying solutions to reduce landfill dependency, creating policy recommendations, and submitting annual reports to the Legislature with any proposed legislation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes working group to reduce demolition waste, promoting material reuse and circular economy, directly supporting environmental protection and waste reduction goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

Track

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 165: DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS MARCH4WATER MONTH IN THE STATE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water conservation and infrastructure investment. The resolution aligns with global water observances and partners with plumbing and water industry organizations to encourage public participation in water-related education and advocacy activities. It directs copies of the resolution to state and county officials responsible for water management and encourages residents to support water resource initiatives.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes water conservation and infrastructure investment, raising awareness about natural resource protection through designated awareness month.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

Track

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 | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 156: DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS MARCH4WATER MONTH IN THE STATE.

This Senate Resolution designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water conservation and infrastructure investment. The measure encourages state residents to participate in educational programs and aligns local efforts with global water advocacy events like World Water Day. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic designation to promote water resource management and infrastructure awareness across the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes water conservation awareness and aligns with global water advocacy, supporting environmental protection through education and resource management focus.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

Track

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 | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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 | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

Track

signed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 173: CONVENING A TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS EVENT TICKET SCALPING IN HAWAII.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to evaluate the environmental and ecological impacts of jug line fishing, a passive fishing method that uses floating buoys to suspend baited hooks. The bill specifically targets concerns about how this practice affects non-target marine species, including endangered animals like the Hawaiian monk seal and hawksbill sea turtle, and contributes to marine debris. If the assessment identifies issues, the resolution requires the department to create new regulations under Chapter 91 of Hawaii's Revised Statutes to address those concerns. This measure does not immediately ban the practice but mandates a formal review and potential rulemaking to protect marine ecosystems.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates assessment of jug line fishing impacts on endangered species and marine debris, aiming to strengthen environmental protections through potential regulatory action.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment