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