Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Introduces Legislation To Protect State’s Native Species

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), along with U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i), introduced legislation to protect more than 10,000 plant and animal species native to the Hawaiian Islands. The Hawai‘i Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act would fund conservation and recovery projects addressing invasive species, the ecological consequences of climate change, native species’ habitats, and population recovery. Schatz met with The Nature Conservancy, Hawai‘i today to discuss the bill and other priorities.

“Native species foster a healthy ecosystem, with cleaner air, purer water, and a more resilient environment,” said Senator Schatz. “By funding new conservation measures and recovery projects, including for Native Hawaiian organizations and local non-profits, our bill will help save our native species for years to come.”

The 10,000 species native to Hawai‘i represent the highest degree of endemism in the world, but hundreds of these species are listed as endangered. The state’s unique biodiversity is in the midst of an extinction crisis, with more than half of native birds and more than 100 unique plant species already extinct.

The Hawai‘i Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act would:

• Provide funding through cooperative agreements and grants to the State of Hawai‘i, local governments, Native Hawaiian organizations, non-profit organizations, businesses, and institutions of higher education to protect native species;
• Support coordinated, evidence-based conservation and recovery projects addressing invasive species, the ecological consequences of climate change, native species’ habitats, and population recovery, as well as data collection and public outreach and education measures;
• Require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to coordinate with other federal and state agencies to develop annual funding priorities and criteria for ranking project proposals;
• Require a 25 percent non-federal match for most projects;
• Encourage applications for high impact, small dollar value projects, projects carried out by Native Hawaiian organizations, and projects promoting youth workforce readiness by waiving the non-federal match requirement for such projects; and
• Authorize $30 million annually, subject to appropriations, to protect native species for ten years.

“Unique to our islands, Hawai‘i’s native species are critical to maintaining the health, balance, and biodiversity of our ecosystem,” said Senator Hirono. “Through initiatives such as funding conservation and recovery projects that address topics including invasive species, scientific research, and data collection, this legislation will help to preserve Hawai‘i’s ecosystems and safeguard the environment for future generations.”

“In Hawai‘i, invasives have caused significant ecological damage, threatening the survival of our unique plant and animal species,” said Representative Case. “Protecting Hawai‘i’s unique biodiversity is not just an environmental necessity, but a cultural imperative that embraces our Native Hawaiian heritage. Unfortunately, these native species often lack the defenses to compete with or resist the pressures of invasive plants and animals, which can rapidly alter ecosystems and displace local species and requires intervention to prevent and reverse.”

“From ‘ohi‘a to kiwikiu, Hawai‘i is home to some of the most stunning native biodiversity in the world, and we need to work collaboratively to protect and preserve our unique and fragile ecosystem,” said Representative Tokuda. “I am proud to support the Hawai‘i Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act to provide much-needed support for coordinated conservation projects across our state, protect our cultural assets, and ensure our native species can thrive for generations to come.”

The bill is endorsed by The Nature Conservancy, Hawai‘i Conservation Council, Friends of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, National Tropical Botanical Garden, American Bird Conservancy, and National Wildlife Federation.

“Our community in Hawai‘i continues to rise to the challenge protecting our most vulnerable species. I want to thank Senator Schatz, Congressman Case and the rest of our Hawai‘i delegation for enabling the vision of our local communities to become a reality,” said Ulalia Woodside Lee, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy Hawai‘i and Palmyra. “If enacted, this bill would add much needed support to ensure we can protect our treasured biodiversity and help build capacity in our local communities to malama ‘aina.”

Senator Schatz met with representatives from TNC Hawai‘i and Palmyra to discuss the bill.

“This groundbreaking legislation, would ensure protections against invasive species and ensures the viability of Hawai‘i’s endemic species and ecosystems that supports them from extinction. These species are found nowhere else on our planet. If implemented, this legislation will be a win for Hawai‘i, the U.S., and the world in being at the helm of protecting endangered species from becoming extinct. This will also set a course of action to help reverse the current situation of Hawai‘i being the extinction species capitol of the world by eradicating invasive species, foster and the restore biodiversity and help to stabilize our climate. Additionally, this measure will help to protect food sources and the community from harmful invasive pests, as well as, increase employment opportunities. There is no time to lose; we urge Congress to swiftly pass the Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act,” said Jonee Peters, Executive Director for the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i.

“Hawai‘i is home to some of the most unique and threatened plants and animals found anywhere in the world. The Hawai‘i Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act would be a significant step toward addressing the many challenges of protecting and recovering these irreplaceable natural and cultural resources. Many of Hawai‘i’s exceptional native species are quite literally on the brink of extinction; we urge Congress to pass this Act as soon as possible,” said Debbie Anderson, President of the Friends of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge.

“The National Tropical Botanical Garden strongly supports the proposed Hawai‘i Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act of 2025 because it aligns perfectly with NTBG’s mission to preserve and protect native plant species, restore ecosystems, and advance scientific research and education. By providing funding for community involvement and youth workforce training, the act would help ensure that future generations of conservationists and scientists are equipped to protect Hawai‘i’s fragile ecosystems. Supporting the Hawai‘i Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act of 2025 is not just beneficial for NTBG — it is essential for the future of Hawai‘i’s native ecosystems,” said Tami Rollins, Interim CEO of the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

“Birds such as the ‘I’iwi represent Hawai‘i’s extraordinary biodiversity. However, ‘I’iwi and countless other species are facing unprecedented challenges from threats like avian malaria. Thanks to Sen. Schatz for introducing the Hawai‘i Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act, which would address threats to native species by supporting community-led projects, ensuring native Hawaiian ecosystems are present for our keiki,” said Chris Farmer, Hawai‘i Program Director at American Bird Conservancy.

The full text of the bill is available here.

###