Speeches & Testimony

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act, a critical piece of legislation to protect and preserve the unique and irreplaceable native plant and animal species of our precious and endangered Hawaii. I am introducing this bill in conjunction with my Hawaii colleague, Senator Brian Schatz.

Our Hawaii is one of the most biologically unique and diverse places on the planet. The islands are home to over 10,000 native species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world, making Hawaii an extraordinary natural treasure unparalleled in biological diversity. From the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, one of the few seal species that thrives in tropical waters, to the endemic 'alala (Hawaiian crow), a bird with deep cultural and ecological significance, Hawaii's native wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of its ecosystems. The striking silversword plant, which grows only on the volcanic slopes of Hawaii's highlands, is another example of the island's extraordinary flora, having evolved to withstand harsh, isolated conditions.

These species, and so many others, also represent an irreplaceable part of Hawaii's heritage, not only contributing to the islands' ecological integrity but also holding cultural and spiritual value for Native Hawaiians. The unique biodiversity found in Hawaii is not only a source of pride for its people but also a global treasure that must be preserved for future generations.

A growing crisis driven by a range of interconnected threats to our native species is unfolding in Hawaii. Habitat destruction has significantly reduced the space where native plants and animals can thrive. Forests, wetlands and coastal ecosystems--critical habitats for native species--are being cleared or degraded, leaving these species increasingly vulnerable. As these ecosystems are altered or destroyed, the species that depend on them are at risk of extinction.

In addition to habitat loss, Hawaii's native species are also facing the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, higher temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns are already beginning to alter the habitats and food sources that these species rely on. For example, higher temperatures push native species to higher altitudes, leaving them with increasingly limited habitats. These environmental changes further stress the islands' delicate ecosystems and compound the challenges posed by invasive species and diseases. The combination of habitat loss and climate change has created an urgent need for coordinated conservation efforts to ensure the survival of Hawaii's extraordinary biodiversity.

Another major threat to Hawaii's native species is the introduction and spread of invasive species. Non-native plants, animals and insects, whether intentionally or accidentally introduced, have caused significant ecological damage. Invasive species such as the mongoose, rats and predatory insects have decimated native bird populations. Invasive plants like the fireweed and strawberry guava overwhelm native vegetation, altering habitats and disrupting the food chain. These invaders not only outcompete native species for resources but also introduce diseases, further endangering the delicate balance of Hawaii's ecosystems. Effective control of invasive species is crucial for the long-term survival of Hawaii's native flora and fauna.

Together, these interconnected threats create a complex and urgent challenge for the conservation of Hawaii's native species, making coordinated, science-based efforts more critical than ever.

To address these pressing challenges, our Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act proposes a competitive grant program to support the conservation and recovery of these species. This grant program will provide vital funding to local organizations, government entities and academic institutions to develop and implement science-based, coordinated conservation strategies that protect Hawaii's native species. This includes efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species, restore critical habitats and engage communities in the conservation process.

These communities of interest include the Native Hawaiians, who stewarded our natural resources successfully through generations pre-contact as a matter of both kuleana (responsibility) and survival. By providing a pathway for collaboration across local, state and federal stakeholders, this bill empowers Native Hawaiian communities to actively participate in the recovery of their native species. It also recognizes the critical role of Native Hawaiian organizations, many of which possess traditional ecological knowledge that is vital for successful conservation outcomes.

I urge my colleagues to support this important bill that will help secure the future of Hawaii's native species for generations to come. By working together, we can protect one of the world's most exceptional natural environments and ensure its remarkable biodiversity remains a source of pride and inspiration for all.