Bill > SR40

This bill urges the United States government to develop a comprehensive national biodiversity strategy to address the ongoing biodiversity crisis, which threatens approximately one million species with extinction. The resolution calls for establishing a strategy that would conserve and restore the nation's biodiversity, secure ecosystem services, advance UN Sustainable Development Goals, and promote equity in conservation efforts. Specifically, the bill recommends that the national strategy include goals such as conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, protecting endangered species, reviewing existing biodiversity-related laws, and funding conservation initiatives to address environmental stressors like invasive species and unsustainable harvesting practices. The bill emphasizes the importance of creating this strategy through robust public input, engaging federal and state agencies, Indigenous communities, communities of color, and other stakeholders. Notably, the resolution highlights Hawaii's unique perspective, pointing out that the state has over 550 endangered species (representing about 25% of the nation's endangered species) and recognizes the deep cultural and ecological significance of biodiversity, particularly for Native Hawaiian communities who have a profound connection to the land ('aina). The bill ultimately seeks to encourage coordinated, comprehensive action to protect and preserve the nation's natural resources and biodiversity.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SR&billnumber=40&year=2025