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.

SR94

THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

94

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

CONVENING A WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ESTABLISHING
AND STRUCTURING A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE STATE TO SUPPORT
SANCTUARIES AND OTHER CONSERVATION-RELATED INITIATIVES FOR ENDANGERED and other
SPECIES
.

����
WHEREAS, numerous
species in the State are on the brink of extinction, in particular many
indigenous birds found nowhere else in the world, and while the State has made
progress in addressing the myriad causes contributing to extinction, existing
efforts must be supplemented to prevent further loss of biodiversity; and

����
WHEREAS, numerous
successful sanctuary models around the world rely on flexible quasi-government
partnerships that generate substantial revenue for conservation efforts;
provide critical habitat for endangered and other species; and serve as
educational centers for local communities, schools, and visitors; and

����
WHEREAS, given
its significantly greater number of endangered species compared to most other
states, the State is uniquely positioned to become a national center for
endangered species research, education, and protection; and

����
WHEREAS, establishing
sanctuaries in the State similar to those that have proven successful elsewhere
can raise revenue; advance the State's position as the premier place for
endangered species work; and create pathways for local education, jobs,
investment, and research; and

����
WHEREAS, successful
models for the establishment and operation of specialized endangered species
sanctuaries efficiently supplement broader government-run efforts and programs,
as many quasi-government sanctuary models provide more flexibility and
adaptability for fundraising, management, innovation, and community engagement;
now, therefore,

����
BE IT
RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii,
Regular Session of 2026, that a working group is convened to develop
recommendations for establishing and structuring a nonprofit organization
recognized by the State to support sanctuaries and other conservation-related
initiatives for endangered and other species; and

����
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the working group is requested to be chaired jointly by the
Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Standing Committees with
jurisdiction over water and land; and

����
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the membership of the working group is requested to consist of
the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources or the Chairperson�s
designee, Director of the Land Use Commission, and other members or subject
matter experts invited by the Chairs of the working group; and

����
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the working group is requested to:

����
(1)
�
Identify successful models for sanctuaries and
conservation-related nonprofit organizations in other jurisdictions;

����
(2)
�
Examine governance structures and partnership
models used by those organizations; and

����
(3)
�
Develop and establish the structure,
governance, and operational framework of a nonprofit organization as may be
appropriate to support sanctuaries and other conservation-related initiatives in
the State for endangered and other species from within and outside the State as
may be most beneficial; and

����
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the working group is requested to submit a report of its findings
and activities, along with any recommendations, to the Legislature no later
than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Sessions of 2027 and
2028; and

����
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources and Director of the Land
Use Commission.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
�

BLNR;
Working Group; Nonprofit Organization; Sanctuaries; Conservation; Endangered
Species; Report