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119-s-871119th Congress

Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Schatz, Brian [D-HI]

Introduced

Summary

Creates a competitive grant program to fund conservation and recovery of Hawaii's native plants, fungi, and animals. It would focus grant awards on fighting invasive species, adapting to climate impacts, restoring native habitat, expanding scientific monitoring, and boosting public outreach and education.

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  • Native Hawaiian organizations: Could lead and receive priority support for projects and may get 100 percent federal funding in some cases. The program requires consultation on projects that affect the Native Hawaiian community and helps reserve at least 5 percent of annual funds for Native Hawaiian-led projects, youth workforce projects, and small grants.
  • State and local governments, nonprofits, businesses, and universities: Eligible to compete for grants with the federal share normally capped at 75 percent of project costs and non-federal matches allowed as in-kind contributions.
  • Researchers, community groups, and workforce programs: Could get funding for monitoring, research, restoration, outreach, and training, including small grants up to $50,000 and projects that build youth workforce readiness.

*Would authorize $30 million per year for 10 years to carry out the program, increasing federal outlays.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Authorized $30 million each year

This bill would authorize $30 million for the program for the first fiscal year after enactment and for each of the nine fiscal years after that. Congress would still need to appropriate the money. The first year of funding would be the first fiscal year beginning after the act becomes law. For each year, not more than 5 percent of the money could be used for administrative expenses.

Federal cost share and small grants

This bill would set the default federal share of project costs at no more than 75 percent. The Secretary could approve 100 percent federal funding in certain cases or at the Secretary's discretion. Projects led by Native Hawaiian organizations, projects that significantly boost youth workforce readiness, and grants of $50,000 or less could get 100 percent federal funding. Non‑federal shares could be provided as in‑kind services, materials, or land access. At least 5 percent of each year's program money would be reserved for those small or priority projects.

New Hawaii native species grants

This bill would create a Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Grant Program inside the Interior Department through Fish and Wildlife. If enacted, the Secretary would set the program up within 180 days after funding is provided. The program would give annual grants, cooperative agreements, or microgrants to eligible Hawaii entities, including state and local government, Native Hawaiian organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and colleges. Grants would fund projects like invasive species control, habitat restoration, species monitoring, climate adaptation, science, and public outreach. The Secretary would coordinate with federal and Hawaii officials, publish an annual request for proposals, require recusal for officials who apply, consult Native Hawaiian organizations when projects affect their community, offer technical help, and report to Congress each year.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Schatz, Brian [D-HI]

HI • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]

    HI • D

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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