DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

News Release

LINDA LINGLE

GOVERNOR

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON

Phone: (808) 587-0401

Fax: (808) 587-0390

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release: February 2, 2006

Hawaii Ocean and Coastal Council Recommended
For Formalization in State Statue

HONOLULU -- Governor Lingle, through the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), has introduced legislation to formalize the multi-agency Hawaii Ocean and Coastal Council (Council) into state statutes.

"This legislation will allow the Council to continue its coordinated effort to address issues related to Hawaii’s ocean and coastal environment and provide feedback on management issues affecting quality of life standards for Hawaii residents and visitors alike," said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.

UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT
“Hawaii’s historical, cultural, environmental, social, recreational and economic foundations are centered on our State’s near-shore waters and coastline.” said Young. "These natural resources generate millions upon millions of dollars in revenues annually and attract visitors from around the world."

“As the only island state in the nation, Hawaii is in a unique position of being able to provide both local, and national, leadership in cooperative ocean governance by forming this Council that includes county, state, federal agencies and private organizations working together,” Young said.

“Together, the Council takes a more targeted and proactive role in dealing with ocean and coastal policy, and works, shares and networks to learn from other states about ocean and coastal related issues,” he said.

CREATION OF THE COUNCIL
The Council was formed in early 2005, by an Executive Order from Governor Lingle, to serve as a model for working partnerships between different entities, and a forum to meet and discuss common and overlapping ocean and coastal concerns. It is, in part modeled after the successful multi-agency Hawaii Invasive Species Council, which responds to issues involving prevention and control of invasive species.

Senate Bill 2361/House Bill 2398 proposes to add a new chapter to the Hawaii Revised Statutes, entitled “Hawaii Ocean and Coastal Council,” which will address the formation, membership and duties of the Council.

NEED FOR FORMALIZATION
Formalizing the Council in statute to continue beyond its current expiration date after the end of the 2005 Regular Session, is intended to ensure better management of the State’s ocean and coastal resources through improved communication, more efficient and cooperative use of government funding, and coordinated focus as a long-term goal of the State.

COUNCIL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Over the past year, the Hawaii Ocean and Coastal Council met regularly and assisted the State’s Office of Planning with invaluable recommendations on issues, priorities and specific action items for the update of the State’s Ocean Resources Management Plan.

FUTURE DIRECTION
Among the top five major coastal issues which lie before the Council to address are: the changing shoreline (natural and man-made, and coastal hazards), public and private improvements, user conflicts, near shore water concerns and resources jurisdiction.

Member agencies of the Hawaii Ocean and Coastal Council are:

State:
Departments of:
Land and Natural Resources
Defense
Business, Economic Development &
Tourism
Health
Transportation
Agriculture
Office of Planning
Tourism Liaison
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
University of Hawaii
UH School of Ocean and Earth Science &
Technology
Hawaii Sea Grant
Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology

Federal:
Pacific Services Center
USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service
Fish and Wildlife Service
National Marine Fisheries Service
National Marine Sanctuaries
Environmental Protection Agency
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management
Council
US Coast Guard
US Army Corps of Engineers
US Navy

Community:
Marine and Coastal Zone Advocacy Council
Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs
Polynesian Voyaging Society

County:
City & County of Honolulu
Maui County
Kauai County
Hawaii County

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For more information, contact:
Clifford Inn
DLNR Education and Outreach Coordinator
Phone: (808) 587-0407