HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	876
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to native pollinators.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's native pollinators are facing the threat of extinction. Decreasing populations of native pollinators have cascading impacts on Hawaii's environment and biological diversity. While non-native pollinators are important, native species of essential pollinators, such as the nalo meli maoli or yellow-faced bee, are able to cross-fertilize better with native plants that are facing similar threats of extinction. Nalo meli maoli, as well as other native pollinators, have very close plant associations and display strong morphological and behavioral adaptations to native plant species. The loss of these native pollinators therefore further endangers native plants and ecosystems that are already vulnerable, and in a dangerous cycle, the loss of native plant habitats further impacts native pollinator populations.

The legislature also finds that preserving native ecosystems is crucial for the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture, as flora and fauna play important roles in ceremony, medicine, food, and other cultural practices.

The legislature further finds that state institutions must play a role in nurturing ecosystems that support native plants and pollinators. The University of Hawaii is well positioned to create these ecosystems on its campuses. This work is aligned with the University of Hawaii System's 2023-2029 Strategic Plan, which highlights sustainability as a foundational principle and upholds the University system's "responsibility to the ‘āina through its own practices, through education, and by developing solutions to the complex global challenges of climate change, sustainability, and resilience".

Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to support the revitalization of native pollinators by requiring the University of Hawaii to create native pollinator habitats on campuses across the University of Hawaii system.

SECTION 2. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§304A‑    Native pollinator habitats on all campuses. (a) The University of Hawaii shall develop and implement native pollinator habitats to be deployed on all campuses in the University of Hawaii system.

(b) The native pollinator habitats shall be integrated into the University of Hawaii's existing land management program.

(c) The native pollinator habitats shall be developed using in-house experts and resources."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

University of Hawaii; Native Pollinator Habitats

Description:

Requires the University of Hawaii to develop native pollinator habitats to be deployed on all campuses in the University system.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.