STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1027

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 849

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 849, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Increase penalties and fees for taking and killing indigenous species of aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants that are native to the State; and

(2) Designate penalties for the taking, harming, or killing of an ʻio (Hawaiian hawk).

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, For the Fishes, and fourteen individuals.

Your Committee finds that the ʻio (Hawaiian hawk) is a native bird species that is presently categorized as endangered. In 2020, ʻio were delisted from the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973; however, ʻio continue to receive protection from intentional taking under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. As the State is home to many native species that are only found in Hawaii, protecting species such as ʻio is of paramount importance to preserving the State's unique biological identity. Therefore, this measure increases existing penalties for the taking of indigenous species to ensure continued protection and growth of native wildlife.

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. 849, S.D. 1, 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