STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1436-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 3253

S.D. 2

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 Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 3253, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CONSERVATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to protect and expand populations of endangered species and other native wildlife in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition.

Your Committee finds that numerous species in Hawaii are on the brink of extinction, including indigenous birds found nowhere else in the world. Your Committee further finds that conservation sanctuaries can dramatically increase the population of endangered species while serving as educational centers and visitor destinations that can generate revenue. Your Committee recognizes that nonprofit models for the establishment and operation of endangered species sanctuaries provide more flexibility for management, operations, innovation, and community engagement. This measure establishes a nonprofit entity to create and manage endangered species sanctuaries.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3253, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair