Hawaii legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Hawaii SB3253: Relating to Conservation.
Status: Signed into law, July 10, 2026
Establishes the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit group to work with the Department of Land and Natural Resources to support conservation, wildlife preservation, and ancillary programs by establishing sanctuaries in the State.
What the bill says
A bill foran act relating to conservation.
From the enrolled text:
A BILL FORAN ACT RELATING TO CONSERVATION. SECTION 1. The legislature finds that numerous species in the State are on the brink of extinction, in particular many indigenous birds found nowhere else in the world. While the State has made progress in addressing the myriad causes contributing to extinction, the legislature finds that existing efforts must be supplemented to prevent further loss of biodiversity. The legislature recognizes that Zealandia (Te Mara a Tane) is a pioneering conservation sanctuary in Wellington, New Zealand, best known for proving how dramatically nature can rebound with proper protection. Built as a fully fenced, predator-excluded sanctuary, Zealandia creates a safe haven where native birds, reptiles, and plants thrive and recover in near-natural habitats, safe from invasive predators and vectors. This model has not only enabled the reintroduction and rapid growth of iconic native species that were once on the brink of 2026-2493 SB3253 CDl SMA-l.docx Page 2 S.B. NO. 3^2 C.D. extinction, but it has also transformed the valley into a living example of ecosystem restoration in a modern city. Just as importantly, Zealandia's impact extends beyond its fence line: thriving populations disperse outward into surrounding neighborhoods and green spaces, helping native wildlife return to the wider region. Zealandia also facilitates community engagement by welcoming volunteers, residents, researchers, and visitors, and serving as a hub …
Sponsors
- Chris Lee (D, 25) · primary sponsor
- Stanley Chang (D, 9)
- Tim Richards (D, SD-004)
Latest actions
- : Act 226, on 07/10/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1328).
- : Act 226, 07/10/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1328).
- : Enrolled to Governor.
- : Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).
- : Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816).
- : Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Cochran, Garcia, Gedeon, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Pierick, Shimizu voting no (7) and Representative(s) Alcos excused (1).
- : Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 22; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 3 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte, Fevella). Excused, 0 (none).
- : Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26.
- : Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 218-26) as amended in (CD 1).
- : 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26.
Votes
- Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1) (May 6, 2026): 22 yea, 3 nay, passed
- Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Cochran, Garcia, Gedeon, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Pierick, Shimizu voting no (7) and Representative(s) Alcos excus (May 6, 2026): 43 yea, 7 nay, passed
- none. (May 1, 2026): 3 yea, 1 nay, passed
- Conference Committee Vote (May 1, 2026): 3 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Third Reading with Representative(s) Cochran voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Gedeon, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Shimizu voting no (6) and Representative(s) Quinlan excused (1) (April 14, 2026): 44 yea, 6 nay, passed
- FIN: recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (April 7, 2026): 15 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Report, Conservation, Housing, Appropriations, Counties, Study, DLNR, DOH
Common questions
- What is SB3253?
- SB3253 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to Conservation.
- What does SB3253 do?
- In its own words: A bill foran act relating to conservation.
- What is the status of SB3253?
- Signed into law as of July 10, 2026. Latest action: Act 226, on 07/10/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1328). (July 10, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB3253?
- Chris Lee (D, 25), with 2 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB3253?
- On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=3253&year=2026
Source: official Hawaii record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.