New Hawaii law recognizes conservation sanctuary to protect native species

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Gov. Josh Green on Thursday signed legislation formally recognizing the Hawaiʻi Conservation Sanctuary, a nonprofit inspired by a conservation sanctuary in New Zealand.

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Under Senate Bill 3253, Act 226, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2026, the state-recognized sanctuary will serve as a hub for endangered species protection, research, education and habitat restoration.

Green said “evidence-based sanctuary models,” similar to New Zealand’s Zealandia (Te Māra a Tāne), can help protect Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems.

Built as a fully fenced, predator-excluded sanctuary, Zealandia creates a safe haven where native birds, reptiles, and plants thrive and recover in near-natural habitats.

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“Hawai‘i has more endangered species than the rest of the country put together — and establishing a network of sanctuaries safe from predators will ensure Hawai‘i can save our endangered birds and other species for future generations,” said state Sen. Chris Lee, chair of the Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts Committee.

The measure also authorizes the sanctuary to operate on preserved land, engage in revenue-generating agricultural tourism, and collaborate with state agencies to support long-term conservation efforts.

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