Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR81

Introduced
3/16/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/6/26  

Caption

Encouraging The United States Navy To Take Responsibility For The Eradication Of Octocoral And Other Invasive Species From The Waters Of Pearl Harbor, Including West Loch, Middle Loch, And East Loch.

Impact

If adopted, the resolution would not create new laws but rather express legislative encouragement for the Navy to allocate resources and take action to combat invasive species within the affected areas. By focusing on the issue of invasive species, this resolution aligns with broader environmental protection efforts aimed at preserving Hawaii’s natural resources and marine habitats. The call for a unified response from the Navy reflects a growing concern regarding the biodiversity and ecological integrity of Pearl Harbor's marine environment.

Summary

Senate Resolution 81 encourages the United States Navy to take responsibility for the eradication of invasive species, specifically octocoral, from the waters of Pearl Harbor, including West Loch, Middle Loch, and East Loch. The resolution underscores the urgency of addressing two particular octocoral species, Unomia stolonifera and Capnella spicata, which pose significant threats to the local marine ecosystem by proliferating rapidly and smothering native Hawaiian coral reefs. The Navy's role as the principal caretaker of Pearl Harbor necessitates appropriate action to ensure the health of this critical aquatic environment.

Contention

While the resolution is largely supportive of environmental initiatives, it could provoke discussions around the responsibilities of federal entities versus state and local governance in managing ecological crises. Critics may argue that placing the onus solely on the Navy depersonalizes community involvement in local conservation efforts. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the prioritization of funding for invasive species control in the broader context of the Navy's budget and operational commitments.

Companion Bills

HI SCR79

Same As Encouraging The United States Navy To Take Responsibility For The Eradication Of Octocoral And Other Invasive Species From The Waters Of Pearl Harbor, Including West Loch, Middle Loch, And East Loch.

HI HR72

Same As Encouraging The United States Navy To Take Responsibility For The Eradication Of Octocoral And Other Invasive Species From The Waters Of Pearl Harbor, Including West Loch, Middle Loch, And East Loch.

Previously Filed As

HI SR14

Requesting The Postmaster General Of The United States Postal Service To Build A New And Larger Pearl City Post Office At The United States Navy Property On The Pearl City Peninsula With A Larger Parking Lot For Employees And Customers.

HI HB1220

Relating To Invasive Species.

HI SB746

Relating To Invasive Species.

HI HCR33

Requesting The Postmaster General Of The United States Postal Service To Relocate The Pearl City Post Office To The United States Navy Property On The Pearl City Peninsula.

HI HR32

Requesting The Postmaster General Of The United States Postal Service To Relocate The Pearl City Post Office To The United States Navy Property On The Pearl City Peninsula.

HI SCR18

Requesting The Postmaster General Of The United States Postal Service To Build A New And Larger Pearl City Post Office At The United States Navy Property On The Pearl City Peninsula With A Larger Parking Lot For Employees And Customers.

HI HR126

Urging The State, Counties, And Other Relevant Agencies To Provide Increased And Sustained Funding To The Invasive Species Committees And Hawaii Ant Lab Within The Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit Of The University Of Hawaii At Mnoa.

HI HCR130

Urging Congress, The Counties Of The State, And Other Relevant Agencies To Provide Increased And Sustained Funding To The Invasive Species Committees And Hawaii Ant Lab Within The Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit Of The University Of Hawaii At Mnoa.

HI SB548

Relating To The Hawaii Invasive Species Council.

HI SR16

Requesting The Commander Of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-hickam To Allow The Department Of Parks And Recreation Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Use The Restricted Vacant Land On The Pearl City Peninsula For Youth Ball Programs.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.