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Hawai'i State Legislature

Ka 'Aha'ōlelo Moku'āina 'O Hawai'i

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Measure details
Measure Title: RELATING TO ECOSYSTEM RIGHTS.
Report Title: Ecosystem Rights; Watersheds; Coral Reefs; Legal Personhood; Enforcement; Ecosystem Persons
Description: Recognizes watersheds and coral reef ecosystems as legal persons with inherent and inalienable rights to exist, flourish, and naturally evolve. Establishes enforceable ecosystem rights grounded in public trust doctrine and Native Hawaiian customary stewardship. Authorizes citizen enforcement, restorative and injunctive remedies, civil penalties, and continuing duties of ecological repair, including for historic harms. Provides for open representation, community consultation, co-governance, and supremacy over conflicting laws.
Companion:
Package: None
Current Referral: AEN/WLA, JDC
Introducer(s): IHARA
Act:

Measure Status History

Sort by Date
DateChamberStatus Text
2/11/2026SThe recommendation was not adopted.
2/11/2026SThe committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in AEN were as follows: 2 Aye(s): Senator(s) Gabbard; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Rhoads ; 3 No(es): Senator(s) Richards, DeCoite, Awa; and 0 Excused: none.
2/11/2026SThe committee on WLA deferred the measure.
2/6/2026SThe committee(s) on AEN/WLA has scheduled a public hearing on 02-11-26 3:00PM; CR 224 & Videoconference.
2/2/2026SReferred to AEN/WLA, JDC.
1/30/2026SPassed First Reading.
1/30/2026SIntroduced.

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Hearing Notices

AEN/WLA
2/11/26 3:00P
CR 224 & Videoconference