SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the near shore marine resources of the State have declined over several generations, impacting Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices, all residents' lifestyle, and the visitor industry. Land-based sources of pollution, invasive species, overuse, and poor management have all played a part in our near shore ocean's decline. At the same time, today and tomorrow's users should be able to partake in the ocean as past generations once did. This situation necessitates the implementation of innovative and effective approaches, policies, and regulations that are informed by the values of the people of Hawaii.

The legislature further finds that Hawaii's people have a long tradition of resource stewardship and strong stewardship values that are essential to reversing resource declines. Community-based co-management of near shore marine areas, that is, communities working with government, is recognized as an effective tool to increase opportunities for stakeholder involvement, re-invigoration of Hawaii's history and culture of mālama ‘āina, increasing voluntary compliance with regulations, and ultimately improvement of resource conditions and availability for future generations. In more than two dozen coastal areas across the State, local communities want to engage in marine co-management to see their resources sustained and traditional practices preserved. All of these processes include families, fishermen, kūpuna, youth, government, and many others with deep and caring ties to their coastal areas.

The legislature further finds efforts need to be devised to bring users and other interests together rather than further dividing them. These efforts promote tradition and culture not as artifacts to be preserved in books and museums, but as solutions to be practiced as keys to a sustainable future.

Research and experience in Hawaii and around the world demonstrate that community-based co-management of marine resources in partnership with government can be a successful policy and management strategy, because:

(1) It recognizes and honors the unique resources, habitat, condition, people, and tradition of each place;

(2) Community members have a high level of identification with and commitment to their place;

(3) Community members are respected as local leaders and directly involved in decisions and management with shared norms, trust, communication, and connection between networks and groups of stakeholders;

(4) Co-management fosters a sense of kuleana through genuine sharing of responsibility and authority with government in policy development, decision-making, and setting standards of conduct; and

(5) An engaged community has a shared commitment to compliance in preservation, achievement of successful resource enhancement, and promotion of sustainable use.

The department of land and natural resources has the statutory mandate to implement policies and management strategies, which include community-based co-management, to preserve and protect Hawaii's marine resources and traditional practices. In order to successfully implement appropriate programs and to grow and maintain the active participation and trust of communities, the department needs consistent technical and staff capacity to engage with communities and other stakeholders and to deliver government services effectively.

The legislature further finds that the increase in ocean use and threats necessitates the development of innovative partnerships, policies, regulations, and strategies in the department of land and natural resources to ensure the department meets its mandate to properly manage and administer the aquatic resources of the State. In the area of community-based co-management of marine resources, this includes having the essential staff members who can engage with interested communities and help them to coordinate traditional stewardship practices with the departmental systems and processes, to develop community-driven rules and standards of conduct that meet the State's regulatory requirements, and to implement a collaborative and effective approach to compliance with community-based standards and rules.

The purpose of this Act is make an appropriation to establish three permanent positions in the department of land and natural resources to support community-based co-management of the State's marine resources, ensure compliance with state and federal mandates, and support effective rulemaking and compliance with adopted standards and rules for sustainable resource use and protection.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for program operating costs and to establish three permanent full-time equivalent (3.00 FTE) positions in the department of land and natural resources to include a community-based subsistence fishing area planner, marine regulation and policy specialist, and makai watch coordinator to support community-based co-management of near shore marine resources, implement effective rule-making, and help ensure compliance with resource use and protection standards and regulations.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1298
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII