Since the discovery and settlement of the Hawaiian Islands by humans, many species of aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants that occurred naturally only in Hawaii have become extinct and many are threatened with extinction, primarily because of increased human use of the land and disturbance to native ecosystems.
All indigenous species of aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants are integral parts of Hawaii's native ecosystems and comprise the living heritage of Hawaii, for they represent a natural resource of scientific, cultural, educational, environmental, and economic value to future generations of Hawaii's people.
To insure the continued perpetuation of indigenous aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants, and their habitats for human enjoyment, for scientific purposes, and as members of ecosystems, it is necessary that the State take positive actions to enhance their prospects for survival.; All habitat conservation plans, safe harbor agreements, incidental take licenses, and subsequent actions authorized under those plans, agreements, and licenses shall be designed to result in an overall net gain in the recovery of Hawaii's threatened and endangered species.; (a) Planning for the State's physical environment with regard to land-based, shoreline, and marine resources shall be directed towards achievement of the following objectives: (1) Prudent use of Hawaii's land-based, shoreline, and marine resources. (2) Effective protection of Hawaii's unique and fragile environmental resources. (b) To achieve the land-based, shoreline, and marine resources objectives, it shall be the policy of this State to: . . . (6) Encourage the protection of rare or endangered plant and animal species and habitats native to Hawaii.;
Citation: HRS § 195D-1; HRS § 195D-30; HRS § 226-11;