Environment (Conservation)

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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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 5, 2026

GM 1197: Informing the Legislature that on June 5, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2756 HD1 CD1 (ACT 097).

This bill directs the state to spend $2,365,000 on new equipment for the Hawaii island branch of the Department of Land and Natural Resources' conservation enforcement division. The funds will purchase one maritime patrol vessel and twenty police-marked vehicles to support officers who will be trained at a new academy launching in 2026. The legislation addresses a shortage of serviceable vehicles and the need for additional marine patrol capabilities in West Hawaii. These resources are scheduled to become available on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds new patrol vessels and vehicles for conservation enforcement, directly strengthening law enforcement capabilities and addressing resource shortages.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds new equipment and vehicles for conservation enforcement to protect natural resources and reduce pollution.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Conservation

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 32: REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICT CARRYING CAPACITY STUDY TASK FORCE TO DEVELOP A STATEWIDE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the creation of a task force to develop a statewide plan for studying how many people can use Hawaii's marine life conservation districts without harming the ecosystems. The task force will be made up of representatives from state agencies, county governments, universities, community groups, and commercial ocean recreation operators. Its main job is to design a framework for carrying capacity studies, prioritize which districts to study first, set standards for how studies are conducted, and identify the funding and staffing needed to implement the program. The task force must submit its findings and recommendations to the legislature by the end of 2026, which may include proposed legislation to officially establish the statewide program.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates task force to study marine conservation district carrying capacity, aiming to protect ecosystems from overuse and strengthen environmental conservation efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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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

Sub-Topics Conservation

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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 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

Sub-Topics Conservation

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 28: REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICT CARRYING CAPACITY STUDY TASK FORCE TO DEVELOP A STATEWIDE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.

This Senate Resolution requests the creation of a task force to develop a statewide plan for studying the carrying capacity of marine life conservation districts in Hawaii. The task force will work with stakeholders from government agencies, universities, and local communities to design a framework for assessing how human activities affect these protected marine areas. It will also prioritize which districts need studies first, establish standards for conducting the research, and identify the funding and staffing needed to implement the program. The task force must submit its recommendations and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by the beginning of the 2027 session.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes task force to study marine life conservation district carrying capacity, directly supporting environmental protection and marine resource conservation through scientific assessment and planning.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 152: URGING THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO CEASE PLANS RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MAUI OPTICAL AND SUPERCOMPUTING SITE SMALL TELESCOPE ADVANCED RESEARCH FACILITY ATOP HALEAKALĀ.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the United States Air Force to stop plans for building the AMOS STAR facility, a proposed telescope complex on the summit of Haleakala in Maui. The measure directly affects federal military space-tracking operations and local communities concerned about cultural and environmental impacts. It highlights concerns that the project would further militarize sacred Hawaiian land and alter a protected conservation area, while noting community opposition regarding transparency and access. The resolution asks federal officials to explore alternative locations for space surveillance infrastructure that would not impact culturally significant sites.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill opposes construction on protected conservation area and sacred land, preventing environmental degradation and preserving natural resources95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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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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