STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1345-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 3014

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 3014 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WILDLIFE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to increase the fines for taking or harassing protected turtles in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Climate Future Forum; Animal Rights Hawaiʻi; and four individuals.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's native and endangered species are an essential part of the State's natural and cultural heritage and require strong legal protections. Among these species, the Hawaiian green sea turtle, or honu, is given special protection under state and federal law due to population declines caused by human interaction and environmental impacts. Despite existing penalties, the handling of turtles by the public continues to occur. Your Committee further finds that stronger penalties are necessary to discourage the unlawful handling of and ensure meaningful protection for endangered turtles.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing its effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purpose of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3014, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3014, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair