Hawaiian Stilt Downgraded From Endangered to Just Threatened
Published Date: 7/20/2026
Rule
Summary
Good news! The Hawaiian stilt, also called kukuluaeʻo or aeʻo, is doing better and is now officially 'threatened' instead of 'endangered.' This change means the bird still needs protection, but it’s not as close to disappearing. The new rules to help keep it safe start on August 19, 2026, and will guide how people and groups work to protect this cool Hawaiian bird.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
4(d) Rule Eases Predator Control and Habitat Work
The 4(d) rule is intended to give conservation partners more flexibility to implement predator control and habitat management aimed at benefiting the Hawaiian stilt, which the Service says will help ongoing conservation and recovery efforts. The Service says the 4(d) exceptions are designed to facilitate management actions that benefit the subspecies.
Hawaiian Stilt Reclassified to Threatened
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reclassifying the Hawaiian stilt from endangered to threatened, effective August 19, 2026. The bird will still receive protections under the Endangered Species Act, but it is no longer considered in danger of extinction and will now be managed under a section 4(d) rule.
Permit Exceptions for Designated Officials
Designated employees or agents of the Service, other Federal land management agencies, the National Marine Fisheries Service, State conservation agencies, or federally recognized Tribes may, when acting in the course of their official duties, take Hawaiian stilts without a permit to aid sick, injured, or orphaned birds, dispose of dead birds, or salvage specimens for science. The rule also allows designated employees operating conservation programs under an approved cooperative agreement to take Hawaiian stilts in the course of official duties.
Public May Transport Injured Birds Without Permit
Any person who finds a sick, injured, or orphaned endangered migratory bird may, without a permit, take and possess the bird to immediately transport it to a permitted rehabilitator under 50 CFR 17.21(c)(7). This existing permission is cited in the final rule and was the reason the Service removed a proposed separate take exception for state and local law enforcement.
State License Still Required in Hawaii
The final 4(d) rule addresses only Federal Endangered Species Act requirements and does not change Hawaii law. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) section 195D-4, activities that would otherwise be prohibited still require a temporary license from the State for scientific or conservation purposes or if incidental to a lawful activity, so State authorization will continue to be required in Hawaii.
Hawaiian Names Officially Recognized
The Service formally recognizes the Hawaiian names kukuluaeʻo and aeʻo as additional official common names for the Hawaiian stilt on the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. Both names will be entered as the official Hawaiian names upon finalization of the rule.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14629, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Designating Critical Habitat
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated rules about how they decide which lands become critical habitats for endangered plants and animals. Now, they’ll clearly weigh economic, security, and other impacts before protecting an area, making the process more open and predictable. These changes start August 20, 2026, helping communities and businesses understand when lands might be excluded from protection.
2026-14633, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations Pertaining to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is updating how it protects threatened plants and animals. Starting August 20, 2026, they’re ending the automatic 'blanket rule' that used to apply to all newly listed threatened species, meaning protections will be more tailored. This change affects landowners, businesses, and conservation groups, aiming for smarter, clearer rules without extra costs or delays.
2026-14299, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the Contiguous U.S. Distinct Population Segment of the Canada Lynx
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated the protected areas for the Canada lynx in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Washington, covering about 14,030 square miles. This change fixes past legal issues and helps keep the lynx’s home safe. The new rule starts on August 17, 2026, and may affect land use and conservation efforts in these states.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-12951, Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of yearly rules, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years but still decide harvest levels annually. This new process saves time and money, helps States and Tribes, and kicks in August 25, 2026—unless big objections come in by July 27.
2026-12955, Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of making new rules every year, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years, updating it sooner if needed. This will save time and money, help States, Tribes, and hunters, and keep bird populations safe.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14546, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG East District-Atlantic City, NJ
On August 9, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Coast Guard will enforce special rules on the waterways around Atlantic City for the Triathlon event. Boat operators must follow directions from Coast Guard patrols and can only enter the area with permission, moving slowly to keep everyone safe. This temporary change helps protect participants and boaters during the race, with no extra fees involved.
Next: 2026-14551, Pacific Halibut Fisheries of the West Coast; Inseason Action for the 2026 Area 2A Pacific Halibut Directed Commercial Fishery
Good news for West Coast commercial halibut fishers! From July 21 to 23, 2026, vessels can catch up to 5,000 pounds of Pacific halibut each, giving the fleet a fresh chance to reach their yearly quota. This extra fishing window helps make sure the 2026 halibut allocation is fully used without going overboard.