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119-hr-1780119th Congress

Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

Introduced

Summary

Creates a new federal grant program to fund coordinated conservation and recovery of Hawaii's native plants, fungi, and animals. The program would be run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and funded by annual appropriations to support eligible Hawaii entities through grants, cooperative agreements, microgrants, and technical assistance.

Show full summary
  • Native Hawaiian organizations: Can receive 100% federal funding for eligible projects and must be consulted on projects with implications for the Native Hawaiian community. The term is defined by reference to the NATIVE Act.
  • State and local governments, nonprofits, businesses, and colleges: Eligible to apply for grants covering up to 75% of project costs, with nonfederal shares allowed as in-kind contributions.
  • Youth and workforce programs: Projects that significantly contribute to youth workforce readiness can receive 100% federal funding and not less than 5% of each fiscal year’s program funds must be used for projects in categories eligible for full funding.
  • Conservation, science, and community engagement: Grants target invasive species prevention and control, climate impacts, habitat restoration, species management, monitoring, research, and public outreach to build recovery capacity across Hawaii.

*Would authorize $30.0 million per year for 10 years for the grant program, with up to 5% of annual funds for administration, increasing federal spending.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New grants for Hawaii conservation work

This bill would create a Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Grant Program. Interior would have 180 days after funds are appropriated to set it up. Congress would authorize $30 million each year for 10 years, subject to annual appropriations. The program would fund projects to fight invasive species, restore habitats, address climate impacts, manage native species, build science and monitoring, and do community outreach.

Yearly priorities and guardrails for grants

Each year, the Secretary would set funding priorities and ranking rules with NOAA, EPA, USDA, Hawaii officials, and other stakeholders. An annual request for proposals would be posted in the Federal Register. State or local representatives would recuse themselves if their governments apply. Native Hawaiian organizations would be consulted on projects that affect the Native Hawaiian community. Funds must supplement, not replace, other funds in Hawaii. No more than 5% of yearly funds could be used for administration, and the Secretary would report to Congress each year.

Who can apply and cost-sharing rules

Eligible applicants would include the State of Hawaii, local governments, Native Hawaiian organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and colleges. By default, the federal share would cover up to 75% of project costs. The Secretary could fund 100% for projects by Native Hawaiian organizations, projects that help youth workforce readiness, and grants of $50,000 or less. At least 5% of yearly funds would be reserved for projects that qualify for full federal funding. Applicants could use in‑kind matches like services, materials, or land access.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

HI • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2]

    HI • D

    Sponsored 3/3/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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