Skip to content
Congress·In Committee·12 months ago

Congress proposes $30 million a year for grants to protect and restore Hawaii’s native species

Also known as: Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Impacts

Positive Impacts(2)
Tribal Member
Helps
Farmer Rancher
Helps

State Impacts

HawaiiHI
Positive

Creates a Hawaii-only competitive grant program run by the Interior Department to fund projects that protect and recover native plants, fungi, and animals, including invasive species control, habitat restoration, monitoring, and public outreach. The federal share is usually up to 75%, but can be 100% for some projects (including certain Native Hawaiian organization projects, youth workforce readiness projects, and microgrants ≤ $50,000). Authorizes $30 million per year for 10 years if Congress,s

Key Points

  • Creates a new yearly grant program run by the Interior Department to fund projects that protect Hawaii’s native plants, fungi, and animals.
  • Money could support work like stopping invasive species and diseases, restoring habitat, and helping species populations recover.
  • Grants can go to Hawaii state and local governments, Native Hawaiian organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and colleges.
  • Most projects would require a local match because federal funding is usually capped at 75%, but some projects could get 100% (including small grants up to $50,000).
  • Sets aside at least 5% of yearly funds for projects led by Native Hawaiian groups, youth workforce-ready projects, or small grants, and requires annual reports to Congress.
EnvironmentClimate ChangeAgriculture

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Mar 5, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Mar 5, 2025

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 180 days after the first appropriation is made

If Congress appropriates funding, the Interior Department must set up the grant program

Organizations in Hawaii would soon have a new place to apply for money for native species work, but nothing can start until funding is actually provided.

After the program is established, and then once each year

Interior Department publishes an annual request for proposals (grant application notice)

Eligible groups (state, counties, Native Hawaiian organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and universities) would see how to apply and what types of projects are being prioritized that year.

Before each year’s request for proposals

Yearly funding priorities and project-ranking criteria are set with Hawaii and federal partners

What gets funded can change year to year (for example, invasive species one year, habitat restoration or monitoring another), which affects which local projects are most likely to win.

After each annual proposal cycle closes and awards are announced

Grants, microgrants, or cooperative agreements are awarded each year

Selected projects can start hiring crews, buying supplies, and doing on-the-ground work like removing invasives or restoring habitat; groups not selected may need to wait for the next cycle.

Each fiscal year the program is funded

At least 5% of yearly funds are directed to certain projects (Native Hawaiian orgs, youth workforce readiness, or microgrants ≤ $50,000)

Smaller projects and youth-training focused work have a better chance of getting funded each year than if everything competed in one big pool.

Once per year after grants begin

Annual report to Congress on funded projects and progress

The public and lawmakers can track which projects are funded and whether they are working, which can influence future funding decisions.

Related News

5 articles
Hawaii News Now·12 months ago

Hawaii senators introduce bill to protect native plants, species

Report on the introduction of the Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act, outlining goals to fund conservation and recovery efforts for Hawaii’s native plants and animals.

C+
Kauai Now·12 months ago

Hawai‘i congressional delegation introduces legislation to protect native species

Covers bill details including grant matching requirements, possible match waivers for certain projects, and an authorization level described as $30 million annually for 10 years.

C+
Maui Now·12 months ago

Hawai‘i lawmakers propose new $30M annual conservation funding, part of 10-year plan

Explains the proposed annual grant funding approach for conservation and recovery projects and summarizes eligibility and intended uses (invasive species, habitat, climate impacts).

C+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act of 2025

Bill NumberS 871
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
D: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.