STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2979

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3014

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, 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 and intent 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, Animal Rights Hawaiʻi, and seven individuals.

Your Committee finds that trends in social media and tourism have contributed to increased incidents of sea turtle harassment, despite state and federal legal protections. This harassment poses significant risks to animal health, undermines conservation and recovery efforts, and frequently results in habitat displacement. This measure will increase deterrents to safeguard sea turtles as an integral cultural and natural asset.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3014 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair