Hawaii legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Hawaii SB1582: Relating to the Coconut Tree.
Status: Failed, March 20, 2026
Recognizes the coconut palm as an official, sustainable staple food source in the State.
What the bill says
A bill for an act relating to the coconut tree.
From the engrossed text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE COCONUT TREE. SECTION 1. The legislature finds that coconut palms, cocos nucifera, or niu in Hawaiian, are a significant and underutilized natural resource in Hawaii. The species has grown in Hawaii for thousands of years and is considered a naturalized Polynesian canoe plant. The legislature further finds that the coconut palm is one of the most useful plants in the world. Early Hawaiians were able to repurpose almost every part of the tree, including using it for food and emergency drinking water, using the oil from the meat as cosmetics for skin and hair, and using the shells to make kitchenware, like spoons, cups, bowls, and containers. Additionally, leaves and husks were used to create cordage, baskets, and roofing thatch, among other goods. The trunks were also used for house construction, canoe building, and drums. The legislature notes that pursuant to section 226-7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, it is the policy of the State to encourage agriculture by making the best use of natural 2025-2776 SB1582 HD1 HMSO Page 2 1582 S.B. NO. H.D. resources, enhance agricultural growth by providing public incentives and encouraging private initiatives, and promote economically competitive activities that increase Hawaii's agricultural self-sufficiency. Additionally, the legislature believes that increased food security and self-sufficiency are priorities for the State. However, the …
Sponsors
- Brenton Awa (R, 23) · primary sponsor
- Stanley Chang (D, 9)
- Samantha DeCorte (R, 22)
- Mike Gabbard (D, 21)
Latest actions
- : Received notice of all Senate conferees being discharged (Sen. Com. No. 409).
- : Senate Conferee(s) discharged.
- : Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
- : Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 851).
- : Senate Conferees Appointed: Gabbard Chair; Richards, Awa.
- : Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 481).
- : Senate disagrees with House amendments.
- : Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 449).
- : Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1). Transmitted to Senate.
- : Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1757), recommending passage on Third Reading.
Votes
- Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1) (April 2, 2025): 50 yea, 0 nay, passed
- JHA: recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (March 27, 2025): 10 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Garrett, Kapela, Kitagawa, Ward excu (March 21, 2025): 46 yea, 0 nay, passed
- AGR: recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS (March 19, 2025): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Passed Third Reading (March 4, 2025): 25 yea, 0 nay, passed
- AEN: recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (February 26, 2025): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Report, The Coconut Tree
Common questions
- What is SB1582?
- SB1582 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to the Coconut Tree.
- What does SB1582 do?
- In its own words: A bill for an act relating to the coconut tree.
- What is the status of SB1582?
- Failed as of March 20, 2026. Latest action: Received notice of all Senate conferees being discharged (Sen. Com. No. 409). (March 20, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB1582?
- Brenton Awa (R, 23), with 3 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB1582?
- On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1582&year=2026
Source: official Hawaii record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.