Bill > SCR56

This concurrent resolution urges the United States government to develop a comprehensive national biodiversity strategy in response to an ongoing ecological crisis that threatens approximately one million species with extinction. The resolution highlights Hawaii's unique biodiversity challenges, noting that the state has over 550 endangered species representing 25% of the nation's endangered species, while receiving only 3% of federal conservation funding. The proposed national biodiversity strategy would aim to establish conservation targets, protect endangered species, restore ecosystems, increase public awareness, and coordinate efforts across federal, state, and local governments, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders. Specifically, the resolution calls for supporting the national goal of conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, establishing science-based conservation targets, protecting at-risk species, reviewing existing biodiversity laws and programs, and funding conservation initiatives to address environmental stressors like invasive species and unsustainable practices. The resolution emphasizes the cultural, economic, and ecological importance of biodiversity, particularly for Native Hawaiian communities, and underscores the need for proactive conservation measures to mitigate the impacts of environmental degradation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=56&year=2025