SB3253 • 2026

RELATING TO CONSERVATION.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: LEE, C., CHANG, Richards
Last action: 2026-05-08
Official status: Enrolled to Governor.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.

RELATING TO CONSERVATION.

What This Bill Does

RELATING TO CONSERVATION.
DLNR; Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary; Endangered Species; Wildlife; 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)

Limits and Unknowns

This entry is temporarily using official source text because the generated explanation could not be confirmed against the official bill text during the last sync.

Amendments

These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.

CD1

Hawaii published version CD1

Plain English: SB3253 CD1 THE SENATE S.B.

SB3253 CD1 THE SENATE S.B.
NO.
3253 THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 S.D.
2 STATE OF HAWAII H.D.

HD1

Hawaii published version HD1

Plain English: SB3253 HD1 THE SENATE S.B.

SB3253 HD1 THE SENATE S.B.
NO.
3253 THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 S.D.
2 STATE OF HAWAII H.D.

SD1

Hawaii published version SD1

Plain English: SB3253 SD1 THE SENATE S.B.

SB3253 SD1 THE SENATE S.B.
NO.
3253 THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 S.D.
1 STATE OF HAWAII A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CONSERVATION .

SD2

Hawaii published version SD2

Plain English: SB3253 SD2 THE SENATE S.B.

SB3253 SD2 THE SENATE S.B.
NO.
3253 THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 S.D.
2 STATE OF HAWAII A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CONSERVATION .

Bill History

2026-05-08 S
Enrolled to Governor.
2026-05-08 S
Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).
2026-05-06 H
Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816).
2026-05-06 H
Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Cochran, Garcia, Gedeon, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Pierick, Shimizu voting no (7) and Representative(s) Alcos excused (1).
2026-05-06 S
Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 22; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 3 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte, Fevella). Excused, 0 (none).
2026-05-01 H
Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26.
2026-05-01 H
Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 218-26) as amended in (CD 1).
2026-05-01 S
48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26.
2026-05-01 S
Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 218-26).
2026-05-01 H
The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 3 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Lowen, Morikawa; Ayes with reservations: none; 1 Noes: Representative(s) Shimizu; and 0 Excused: none.
2026-05-01 S
The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Gabbard, Richards; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
2026-05-01 H
Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday, 05-01-26 at 12:45PM in Conference Room 229.
2026-05-01 S
Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 05-01-26 11:35 AM; Conference Room 229.
2026-04-30 S
Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 05-01-26 9:00AM; Conference Room 229.
2026-04-29 S
Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 873).
2026-04-28 S
Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-30-26 9:01AM; Conference Room 229.
2026-04-28 H
House Conferees Appointed: Hashem, Lowen, Morikawa Co-Chairs; Shimizu.
2026-04-24 H
Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 742).
2026-04-23 S
Senate Conferees Appointed: Lee, C. Chairs; Gabbard, Richards Co-Chairs.
2026-04-16 H
Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 710).
2026-04-16 S
Senate disagrees with House amendments.
2026-04-16 S
Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 769).
2026-04-14 H
Passed Third Reading with Representative(s) Cochran voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Gedeon, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Shimizu voting no (6) and Representative(s) Quinlan excused (1). Transmitted to Senate.
2026-04-10 H
Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2147-26), recommending passage on Third Reading.
2026-04-07 H
The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 15 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Alcos, Gedeon; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Morikawa.
2026-04-02 H
Bill scheduled for decision making on Tuesday, 04-07-26 10:10AM in conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
2026-04-02 H
The committee(s) on FIN recommend(s) that the measure be deferred until 04-07-26.
2026-03-31 H
Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Thursday, 04-02-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
2026-03-30 H
Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN with Representative(s) Gedeon voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Pierick, Shimizu voting no (4) and Representative(s) Cochran, Lowen, Perruso, Quinlan excused (4).
2026-03-30 H
Reported from EEP (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1436-26), recommending referral to FIN.
2026-03-24 H
The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Lowen, Perruso, Chun, Kusch, Matsumoto; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Kahaloa, Quinlan.
2026-03-20 H
Bill scheduled to be heard by EEP on Tuesday, 03-24-26 10:00AM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
2026-03-20 H
Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on EEP with Representative(s) Cochran, Shimizu voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Muraoka, Pierick voting no (4) and Representative(s) Quinlan excused (1).
2026-03-20 H
Reported from WAL (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1303-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to EEP.
2026-03-19 H
The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Morikawa, Ichiyama, Poepoe, Woodson, Souza; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Iwamoto, Shimizu; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Belatti.
2026-03-16 H
Bill scheduled to be heard by WAL on Thursday, 03-19-26 9:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
2026-03-12 H
Referred to WAL, EEP, FIN, referral sheet 17
2026-03-12 H
Pass First Reading
2026-03-10 H
Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 393) in amended form (SD 2).
2026-03-10 S
Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) Awa). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
2026-03-06 S
48 Hrs. Notice 03-10-26.
2026-03-06 S
Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2951) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2).
2026-03-03 S
The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Richards, Wakai; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella.
2026-02-25 S
The committee(s) on WAM deferred the measure until 03-03-26 10:15AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference.
2026-02-23 S
The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-25-26 10:56AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference.
2026-02-20 S
Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.
2026-02-20 S
Reported from WLA/AEN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2625) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
2026-02-11 S
The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WLA were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Chang, Lamosao, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Inouye.
2026-02-11 S
The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in AEN were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Gabbard, Richards, DeCoite, Rhoads, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
2026-02-06 S
The committee(s) on WLA/AEN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-11-26 1:00PM; CR 224 & Videoconference.
2026-02-02 S
Referred to WLA/AEN, WAM.
2026-01-28 S
Passed First Reading.
2026-01-28 S
Introduced.

Official Summary Text

RELATING TO CONSERVATION.
DLNR; Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary; Endangered Species; Wildlife; 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)

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

SB3253

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

3253

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING
TO CONSERVATION
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

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SECTION 1.
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The legislature finds that numerous species
in Hawaii are on the brink of extinction, in particular many indigenous birds
found nowhere else in the world.
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While
the State has made progress in addressing the myriad causes contributing to
extinction, the legislature finds that existing efforts must be supplemented to
prevent further loss of biodiversity.

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The
legislature recognizes that Zealandia (Te Mara a Tane) is a pioneering
conservation sanctuary in Wellington, New Zealand, best known for proving how
dramatically nature can rebound with proper protection.
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Built as a fully fenced, predator-excluded
sanctuary, Zealandia creates a safe haven where native birds, reptiles, and
plants thrive and recover in near-natural habitats, safe from invasive
predators and vectors.
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This model has not
only enabled the reintroduction and rapid growth of iconic native species that
were once on the brink of extinction, but it has also transformed the valley
into a living example of ecosystem restoration in a modern city.

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Just
as importantly, Zealandia's impact extends beyond its fence line:
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thriving populations disperse outward into
surrounding neighborhoods and green spaces, helping native wildlife return to
the wider region.
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Zealandia also facilitates
community engagement by welcoming volunteers, residents, researchers, and visitors
and serving as a hub for school programs and hands-on learning.
�
Its success in engaging community and visitors
has helped Zealandia become largely self‑funding through admissions,
memberships, tours, and experiences that reinvest directly into conservation.

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The
legislature also recognizes that successful sanctuary models in the United
States generate substantial revenue for conservation efforts.
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They serve as educational centers for local
schools, destinations for visitors, and provide critical habitat for endangered
and other species.
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Hawaii's climate and
environment offer a more natural habitat for many species than found elsewhere
in the continental United States.
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With appropriate
considerations and protections to ensure no adverse impact on Hawaii's own
environment, the State can improve the living conditions of rescued animals
from other states and generate significant revenue for Hawaii's conservation
efforts.

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The
legislature believes that the State is uniquely positioned to become a national
center for endangered species research, education, and protection.
�
Establishing sanctuaries in Hawaii like those that
have proven successful elsewhere can advance the State's position as the
premier place for endangered species work and conservation and create pathways
for local education, jobs, investment, and research.

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The
legislature also believes that these successful nonprofit models for
establishing and operating potential endangered species sanctuaries are
preferable to a government‑run program.
�
They provide more flexibility and adaptability
for management, operations, innovation, and community engagement.

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Accordingly,
the purpose of this Act is to enable the establishment of a nonprofit partner
to collaborate with the State to create and manage endangered species
sanctuaries.

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SECTION
2.
�
Chapter 195D, Hawaii Revised
Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately
designated and to read as follows:

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"
�195D-
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Hawaii conservation
sanctuary; established.
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(a)
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There shall be established the Hawaii conservation sanctuary as a
nonprofit group to work with the department to enhance and support the work of
conservation and endangered species and wildlife preservation, and to oversee ancillary
programs.

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(b)
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The Hawaii conservation
sanctuary shall protect and expand populations of endangered species and other wildlife
from within and outside the State by developing and operating conservation
sanctuaries in the State.

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(c)
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The Hawaii conservation
sanctuary may:

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(1)
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Operate for-profit business
enterprises;

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(2)
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Hold or lease property; and

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(3)
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Enter into contracts to support its
mission

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(d)
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The qualifying standards and
conditions related to the receipt of funds contained in chapter 42F shall not
apply to funds received by the Hawaii conservation sanctuary; provided that if
the Hawaii conservation sanctuary in turn contracts with a recipient or
provider, then the qualifying standards, conditions, and other provisions of
chapter 42F shall apply to the recipient or provider and the contract.

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(e)
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The department shall assist the Hawaii
conservation sanctuary with identifying and accessing appropriate land to
support its mission.
"

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SECTION 3.
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New statutory material is underscored.

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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

DLNR; Hawaii
Conservation Sanctuary; Endangered Species; Wildlife; Conservation

Description:

Establishes
the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit group to work with the
Department of Land and Natural Resources to support conservation, wildlife
preservation, and ancillary programs by establishing sanctuaries in the State.

The summary description
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not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.