[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 40 (Monday, March 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E176-E177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THE HAWAII NATIVE SPECIES CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. ED CASE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 3, 2025

  Mr. CASE. 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

[[Page E177]]

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.

                          ____________________