Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Conservation Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Conference approves nearly $5 million in equipment funding for conservation enforcement (HB506)
Summary
Conferees approved HB506 with an equipment-only appropriation of $4,974,040 for fiscal 2026 (A funds). Senators discussed whether funding applied statewide or only to an Oʻahu DOCARE branch; the item passed by voice vote.
The Joint House and Senate Conference approved HB506 (relating to conservation enforcement) on April 24, 2025, adopting a conference version that includes an equipment-only appropriation of $4,974,040 for fiscal year 2026 from A funds.
During discussion conferees noted the appropriation covers equipment and personnel, with the circulating language showing $4,974,040 for equipment for FY2026. A senate conferee asked whether the appropriation applied specifically to DOCARE's Oʻahu branch or statewide; the house conferee said they would "take your word for it" on the location and noted if costs could be shared the program could be statewide.
The conference recorded a voice vote; house conferees recorded 'aye' and the senate conferees present—Senator Inouye, Senator Moriwaki and Senator DuFort—also recorded 'aye.' The measure was approved in conference.
Next steps: the conference-adopted language will be reflected in the committee's report and proceed through the legislature's process.
