1. United States
2. Hawaii
3. Letter

I am writing to strongly oppose the Trump administration's proposed rule to eliminate habitat protections for endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This rule is a major setback in conservation and undermines the foundational principle that habitat destruction is harmful to species. For 50 years, the ESA has recognized that destroying critical habitats endangers species, helping to protect iconic wildlife like bald eagles, gray wolves, and humpback whales. The proposed changes ignore a 1995 Supreme Court ruling that upheld the definition of "harm" to include habitat destruction. If enacted, this rule would allow harmful actions such as draining ponds or clearing forests that are vital to the survival of endangered species. The health of Hawaii’s ecosystems—home to endangered sea turtles, humpback whales, and other marine life—depends on strong habitat protections. Eliminating these safeguards would put Hawaii’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage at grave risk. Intact coastal and ocean habitats are essential not only for wildlife but also for the broader health of the environment and local communities. This rule prioritizes the interests of extractive industries over the preservation of our natural heritage and the critical ecosystems we rely on for clean water, disease prevention, agriculture, and medicine. I urge you to oppose this dangerous proposal and stand in support of the ESA’s protections for endangered species and their habitats. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.