Hawaii legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Hawaii SCR170: Supporting the Establishment of a Sister State Relationship with New Zealand to Advance Biosecurity, Conservation, Protection of Endangered Species, and Other Issues of Mutual Concern.
Status: Passed both chambers, April 22, 2026
What the bill says
From the engrossed text:
THE SENATE S.C.R. NO. THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 S.D. STATE OF HAWAII SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PARTNERSHIP WITH AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND TO ADVANCE BIOSECURITY, CONSERVATION, PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES, AND OTHER ISSUES OF MUTUAL CONCERN. WHEREAS, the State and Aotearoa New Zealand have a shared heritage as Pacific island communities with strong histories of indigenous leadership and engagement; and WHEREAS, Aotearoa New Zealand and the State also face many similar challenges, including the constant threat of invasive species that can destroy agricultural resources and native habitat, pushing numerous species to the brink of extinction, particularly indigenous birds and other wildlife found nowhere else in the world; and WHEREAS, while the State has made progress in addressing the myriad causes contributing to species decline, existing efforts must be supplemented to prevent further loss of biodiversity; and WHEREAS, Aotearoa New Zealand is a global leader in biodiversity and conservation, maintaining an integrated system to prevent, manage, and eradicate pests and diseases that threaten its economy, native plants and animals, ecosystems, and cultural and community well-being; and WHEREAS, Aotearoa New Zealand's biosecurity system employs people, technology, processes, and rules to manage risks offshore, at the border, and within the country, making it one of the best examples of comprehensive island ecosystem protection in the world; and WHEREAS, among other programs, …
Sponsors
- Chris Lee (D, 25) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Certified copies of resolutions sent, 05-12-26.
- : Resolution adopted in final form.
- : Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 806).
- : Transmitted to Senate.
- : Adopted with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).
- : Reported from ECD (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2242-26), recommending adoption.
- : The committee on ECD recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Ilagan, Hussey, Ratcliffe, Templo, Yamashita; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Tam, Gedeon.
- : Resolution scheduled to be heard by ECD on Friday, 04-17-26 8:30AM in conference room 430 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
- : Referred to ECD, referral sheet 28
- : Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 498) in amended form (SD 1).
Votes
- Adopted with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0) (April 21, 2026): 51 yea, 0 nay, passed
- ECD: recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (April 17, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
- WLA: recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS (April 8, 2026): 4 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is SCR170?
- SCR170 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Supporting the Establishment of a Sister State Relationship with New Zealand to Advance Biosecurity, Conservation, Protection of Endangered Species, and Other Issues of Mutual Concern.
- What is the status of SCR170?
- Passed both chambers as of April 22, 2026. Latest action: Certified copies of resolutions sent, 05-12-26. (May 12, 2026).
- Who sponsored SCR170?
- Chris Lee (D, 25).
- Where is the official record for SCR170?
- On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=170&year=2026
Source: official Hawaii record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.