STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 1759
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 849
S.D. 1
H.D. 2
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 849, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Prohibit and impose penalties on the intentional taking, harming, or killing of ʻio; and
(2) Increase the penalties and fees for taking and killing indigenous species of aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants that are native to the State.
Your Committee finds that Hawaii is home to a rich diversity of indigenous species of aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants that are important in maintaining ecological balance and preserving the cultural heritage of the region. Your Committee further finds that the ‘io, or Hawaiian hawk, serves as a symbol of strength and resilience in Hawaiian culture and plays a vital role in Hawaii's unique ecosystem as a native raptor. However, the ‘io and other native wildlife face ongoing threats from habitat loss, illegal hunting, and environmental degradation. This measure seeks to strengthen penalties for the taking killing of Hawaii's indigenous species, including ‘io, to deter harmful activity against aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants that are native to Hawaii.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the effective date to upon approval; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 849, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 849, S.D. 1, H.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,
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____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
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