MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan (ORMP) sets forth guiding principles and recommendations for the state to achieve comprehensive and integrated ocean and coastal resources management.

Section 205A-62, Hawaii Revised Statutes, charges the Office of Planning, Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program, with the review and periodic update of the ORMP, as well as coordination of overall implementation of the plan.

The ORMP was last updated in December of 2006, and takes a place-based approach to management of ocean resources in the islands, based on recognition of the ecological connections between the land and sea, the link between human activities and its impacts on the environment, and the need for improved collaboration and stewardship in natural resources governance.

Previous versions of this plan go back to 1985, however, the 2006 ORMP builds on traditional Hawaiian management principles and lessons from past efforts, promoting a shift toward integrated and area-based approaches to natural and cultural resources management that require greater collaboration among jurisdictional authorities and that will catalyze community involvement and stewardship.

This powerful management system embraces practices and relationships between the land, ocean and the community, as stewards of the resources. And it recognizes the need for the community and government to work together in collaboration.

The 2006 ORMP is defined by three Guiding Perspectives:

Perspective 1: Connecting Land and Sea

Careful and appropriate use of the land is required to maintain the diverse array of ecological, social, cultural, and economic benefits we derive from sea.

Perspective 2: Preserving Our Ocean Heritage

A vibrant and healthy ocean environment is the foundation for the quality of life valued in Hawaii and the well-being of its people, now and for generations to come.

Perspective 3: Promoting Collaboration and Stewardship

Working together and sharing knowledge, experience, and resources will improve and sustain our efforts to care for the land and sea.

Because change takes time, four phases of implementation were recognized. The ORMP maps incremental five-year management priorities to embark on a new course of action and achieve the primary goal: to improve and sustain the ecological, cultural, economic, and social benefits we derive from ocean resources today and for future generations.

The first phase, termed Demonstration, has started and begins to demonstrate how the guiding perspectives are being implemented through various partnerships throughout the state.

Moving into the second phase, termed Adaptation, the perspectives would start being applied throughout all islands and in all areas.

This leads to the third phase of Institutionalization that would come about 10 years later in 2021.

The final phase – mainstreaming – is expected by 20 years, around 2030.

Seeking Your Input on the Update of the Plan

The CZM Program is currently updating the 2006 ORMP by conducting an evaluation of the first five years of implementation, identifying areas of focus for the next five years, and determining how the ORMP should be refined or changed to incorporate new issues.

The evaluation and update of the 2006 ORMP will last about 18 months and will be completed in mid-2013. There will be multiple ways to provide input, and the first such opportunity is by attending one of the public listening sessions scheduled for April and May of this year.

The CZM Program is specifically seeking input from a wide variety of stakeholders and ocean users, including Native Hawaiians. If you are a fisher or a surfer, an opihi picker or the owner of an aquaculture farm, a canoe paddler or a farmer, your input is important.

Public listening sessions are planned on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and on both the east and west sides of Hawaii Island:

Open House: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Formal Presentation: 6:30 p.m.
Followed by Questions and Answer Session till pau

* KAUAI
Wednesday, April 25
Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary School Cafeteria
4319 Hardy Street
Lihue

* OAHU
Tuesday, May 2
Waianae District Park
Multi-Purpose Room
85-601 Farrington Highway
Waianae

* WEST HAWAII
Wednesday, May 16
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Kailua-Kona

* EAST HAWAII
Thursday, May 17
Hilo High School Cafeteria
556 Waianuenue Avenue
Hilo

* LANAI
Tuesday, May 22 (Meeting starts at 6 p.m.)
Lanai Senior Center
309 Seventh Street
Lanai City

* MAUI
Wednesday, May 23
Paia Community Center
Hana Highway
Paia

* MOLOKAI
Wednesday, May 30
Mitchell Pauole Community Center
90 Ainoa Street
Kaunakakai

If you are unable to attend any of the meetings, you may provide written comments regarding the update of the ORMP by sending them to the address below, or by emailing the Hawaiʻi CZM Program at: ormp_update@dbedt.hawaii.gov

For more information on the evaluation and update of the 2006 ORMP, contact the Office of Planning, Coastal Zone Management Program:

Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Program
State of Hawaii, Office of Planning
P.O. Box 2359
Honolulu, Hawaii 96804
808-587-2846

— Find out more:
www.state.hi.us/dbedt/czm