Ocean Resources Focus of Listening Sessions

Opihi, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The state will host a series of listening sessions as it forms an update to the Hawai’i Ocean Resources Management Plan.

The sessions will be held across the state between April 25 and May 30 to gather input from coastal and ocean users, as well as other stakeholders and interested individuals.

The meetings are hosted by the State of Hawai’i Office of Planning Coastal Zone Management and includes the following schedule:

• April 25, Wilcox Elementary School Cafeteria, 4319 Hardy St., Lihu’e, Kaua’i
• May 2, Wai’anae District Park Multi-Purpose Room, 85-601 Farrington Hwy., Wai’anae, O’ahu
• May 16, West Hawai’i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i Island
• May 17, Hilo High School Cafeteria, 556 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, Hawai’i Island
• May 22, Lana’i Senior Center, 309 Seventh St., Lana’i City, Lana’i (Open house begins at 6 p.m.)
• May 23, Pa’ia Community Center, Hana Hwy., Pa’ia, Maui
• May 30, Mitchell Pauole Community Center, 90 Ainoa St., Kaunakakai, Moloka’i

All meetings include an open house that starts at 5:30 p.m., with a formal presentation at 6:30 p.m., unless otherwise specified.

The plan takes into account recognition of the ecological connections between land and sea, the link between human activities and impacts on the environment, and the need for improved collaboration and stewardship in natural resources governance.

The plan is a place-based approach to management of ocean resources in the islands and was last updated in 2006.  State officials say the plan sets forth guiding principles and recommendations for use of coastal zone land and water resources, taking into consideration ecological, cultural, historic and esthetic values and the needs for compatible economic development.

The update includes an evaluation of the first five years of implementation, identifying areas of focus for the next five years, and determining how the plan should be refined or changed to incorporate new issues.