SCR 100

THE SENATE
S.C.R. NO.
100
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII
SENATE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
CONVENING A WORKING GROUP TO establish A NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE STATE TO SUPPORT SANCTUARIES AND OTHER
CONSERVATION-RELATED INITIATIVES FOR ENDANGERED and other SPECIES.
���� WHEREAS, numerous
species in the State are on the brink of extinction, in particular many
indigenous birds found nowhere else in the world, and while the State has made
progress in addressing the myriad causes contributing to extinction, existing
efforts must be supplemented to prevent further loss of biodiversity; and
���� WHEREAS, numerous
successful sanctuary models around the world rely on flexible quasi-government
partnerships that generate substantial revenue for conservation efforts;
provide critical habitat for endangered and other species; and serve as
educational centers for local communities, schools, and visitors; and
���� WHEREAS, given
its significantly greater number of endangered species compared to most other
states, the State is uniquely positioned to become a national center for
endangered species research, education, and protection; and
���� WHEREAS, establishing
sanctuaries in the State similar to those that have proven successful elsewhere
can raise revenue; advance the State's position as the premier place for
endangered species work; and create pathways for local education, jobs,
investment, and research; and
���� WHEREAS, successful
models for the establishment and operation of specialized endangered species
sanctuaries efficiently supplement broader government-run efforts and programs,
as many quasi-government sanctuary models provide more flexibility and
adaptability for fundraising, management, innovation, and community engagement;
and
���� WHEREAS, the
Legislature has moved to consider the establishment of sanctuaries for
endangered and other species as contemplated by S.B. 3253, S.D. 2, H.D. 1
(2026), and a working group is needed to stand up the accompanying governance
organization that would conduct the sanctuary work; now, therefore,
���� BE IT
RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii,
Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that a working
group is convened to establish a nonprofit organization recognized by the State
to support sanctuaries and other conservation-related initiatives for
endangered and other species; and
���� BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the working group is requested to be chaired jointly by the
Chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives Standing Committees with primary
jurisdiction over water and land; and
���� BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the membership of the working group is requested to consist of
the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources or the Chairperson�s
designee, Executive Officer of the Land Use Commission, and other members or
subject matter experts invited by the Chairs of the working group; and
���� BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the working group is requested to:
���� (1)� Identify successful models for sanctuaries and
conservation-related nonprofit organizations in other jurisdictions;
���� (2)� Examine governance structures and partnership
models used by those organizations; and
���� (3)� Develop and establish the structure,
governance, and operational framework of a nonprofit organization as may be
appropriate to support sanctuaries and other conservation-related initiatives in
the State for endangered and other species from within and outside the State as
may be most beneficial; and
���� BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the working group is requested to submit a report of its findings
and activities, along with any recommendations, to the Legislature no later
than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Sessions of 2027 and
2028; and
���� BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the
Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources and Executive Officer of
the Land Use Commission.
Report Title:�
BLNR;
Working Group; Nonprofit Organization; Sanctuaries; Conservation; Endangered
Species; Report