THE SENATE
S.R. NO.
161
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
SENATE RESOLUTION
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.
WHEREAS, the State and New Zealand have a shared heritage as Pacific island communities with strong histories of indigenous leadership and engagement; and
WHEREAS, 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, 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, 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, New Zealand has created thirty-five sanctuaries for endangered species and habitat, such as Zealandia (Te Māra a Tāne) in Wellington, which is a pioneering conservation sanctuary that demonstrates how fully protected, predator-excluded habitats allow native birds, reptiles, and plants to thrive and recover in near-natural ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, fostering a partnership between the State and New Zealand would allow the State to benefit from New Zealand's biosecurity expertise, sanctuary models, species recovery programs, and community engagement strategies to protect endangered species and restore native ecosystems; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the State is encouraged to build a partnership with New Zealand to advance biosecurity, conservation, protection of endangered species, and other issues of mutual concern; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor; New Zealand Consul General Hawaii; and Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.
OFFERED BY:
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Report Title:
New Zealand; Biosecurity; Conservation; Endangered Species; Partnership