Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 871
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-21T06:50:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act of 2025 aims to create a federal grant program to fund projects that protect and restore native plants, fungi, and animals in Hawaii. It focuses on addressing threats like invasive species, climate change, and habitat loss to support biodiversity and ecosystem health in the state.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of Grant Program: The Secretary of the Interior, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), must set up the Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Grant Program within 180 days of receiving appropriated funds. This program provides annual funding through grants, microgrants (small grants up to $50,000), cooperative agreements, or other methods to eligible entities for approved projects.
- Eligible Entities: Includes the State of Hawaii, local governments, Native Hawaiian organizations (groups focused on Native Hawaiian interests, as defined in existing federal law), nonprofits, businesses, and universities.
- Project Purposes: Funding supports evidence-based efforts to:
- Prevent and control invasive species, pests, and diseases.
- Mitigate climate change impacts on native species.
- Restore degraded habitats.
- Manage and restore native species populations.
- Build scientific expertise for planning, monitoring, and research.
- Improve data collection and ecological monitoring.
- Engage communities through education, outreach, and involvement.
- Development of Priorities and Criteria: The Secretary coordinates annually with federal agencies (e.g., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture), Hawaii's Board of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Agriculture, and other stakeholders to set funding priorities and ranking criteria for proposals. An annual request for proposals is published in the Federal Register.
- Cost Sharing and Exceptions: The federal government covers up to 75% of project costs, but can fund 100% for projects led by Native Hawaiian organizations, those enhancing youth job training, small microgrants, or at the Secretary's discretion. Non-federal shares can include in-kind contributions like services or land access. At least 5% of funds must go to qualifying 100% federal-funded projects.
- Additional Requirements:
- State or local government representatives recuse themselves from decisions on their own applications to avoid conflicts.
- The Secretary provides technical assistance and consults Native Hawaiian organizations on projects affecting their communities.
- Funds supplement, but do not replace, existing state or federal conservation funding.
- Reporting and Funding: The Secretary submits an annual report to Congress detailing funded projects and their progress. The program is authorized at $30 million per year for 10 fiscal years (starting with the first full year after enactment), with up to 5% for administrative costs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new, dedicated federal grant program specifically tailored to Hawaii's native species, which does not appear to amend or repeal prior laws like the Endangered Species Act or general conservation statutes. It builds on existing frameworks by creating targeted funding mechanisms and coordination requirements, but adds novel elements such as microgrants, youth workforce priorities, and mandatory Native Hawaiian consultation for relevant projects.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The USFWS will administer the program, requiring new staff and processes for grant management, priority-setting, and reporting. Hawaii state agencies (e.g., land and agriculture boards) gain coordinated federal support but must collaborate on priorities. Other federal agencies like NOAA and EPA may contribute expertise, potentially streamlining inter-agency efforts on invasive species and climate issues.
- Citizens and Communities: Hawaii residents, especially Native Hawaiians, benefit from enhanced conservation that protects cultural and ecological resources, improves habitats, and creates job opportunities (e.g., in youth training). Public engagement provisions could boost community involvement and education on environmental issues.
- Broader Effects: Strengthens Hawaii's biodiversity, potentially aiding tourism, agriculture, and resilience to climate change. No direct international relations impacts are outlined, though it indirectly supports U.S. commitments to global conservation goals.
- Environmental Outcomes: Could reduce threats to endangered species, restore ecosystems, and improve monitoring, leading to long-term ecological benefits for the state.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary Beneficiaries: Native Hawaiian organizations, nonprofits, universities, and businesses in Hawaii focused on conservation.
- Government Entities: U.S. Department of the Interior (USFWS), other federal agencies (NOAA, EPA, USDA), State of Hawaii, and local governments.
- Communities: Native Hawaiian groups (through consultation and funding preferences), youth and workforce participants, and the general public in Hawaii via education and habitat improvements.
- Other: Conservation researchers, landowners, and stakeholders involved in invasive species control or habitat restoration.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Emphasizes conflict-of-interest safeguards (e.g., recusal rules) and evidence-based decision-making, ensuring fair grant allocation. The "supplement, not supplant" clause prevents undermining existing programs, aligning with federal grant standards.
- Constitutional: Involves federal funding for state-specific environmental protection, which is permissible under Congress's spending power and commerce clause authority over interstate environmental issues. Consultation with Native Hawaiian organizations respects cultural sovereignty without creating new treaty obligations.
- Political: Introduced by Hawaii's senators, it highlights state-specific needs in a national context, potentially fostering bipartisan support for localized conservation. The 10-year authorization provides stable funding but depends on annual appropriations, which could face budget debates. It promotes equity by prioritizing Native Hawaiian-led projects, addressing historical underrepresentation in federal environmental programs.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2025-03-05: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-05 — PDF (8 pages)