From fishing and tourism to shipping and energy development, our oceans are often expected to deliver valuable resources for generations to come. However, challenges, concerns and conflicts exist with these human activities, as well as climate change impacts and other
From fishing and tourism to shipping and energy development, our oceans are often expected to deliver valuable resources for generations to come. However, challenges, concerns and conflicts exist with these human activities, as well as climate change impacts and other natural drivers, said Jesse Souki, director of the state Office of Planning.
Finding the most efficient way to balance multiple demands while ensuring the health of marine ecosystems makes comprehensive planning even more important for Hawaii’s economy, its island communities and ocean life, Souki said.
The Office of Planning’s Coastal Zone Management Program is conducting two listening sessions this month on the Big Island to accept comments on the Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan, currently being updated. In particular, the office is looking for public input on how to best strengthen ocean protection, governance and coordination.
The listening sessions, which include a 5:30 p.m. open house and a 6:30 p.m. presentation, will be held May 16 at the West Hawaii Civic Center and May 17 at Hilo High School cafeteria.
The Coastal Zone Management Program is responsible for the review and periodic update of the statewide plan, which was first adopted in 1994 and subsequently updated in 1998 and 2006. The plan sets forth guiding principles and recommendations for use of coastal zone lands and water resources. It takes into consideration ecological, cultural, historic and aesthetic values. It also considers the needs for economic development and determines how to incorporate or deal with new issues like the growing number of scientific, energy and security activities.
The plan takes an integrated, place-based approach to managing Hawaii’s marine and coastal zone resources, which catalyzes community involvement. It recognizes 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. It also includes action activities, identification of lead and supporting entities for each action, performance measures, implementation strategies, and lists the top priorities over a five-year period, Souki said.
Sometimes, agencies that govern coastal zone lands and water resources have their own agendas or conflicting mandates. This plan strives to better coordinate efforts for agencies by helping reduce waste, inefficiency and delay, especially now when funding is scarce and there’s sometimes insufficient human resources, Souki said.
The Coastal Zone Management Program will be evaluating of past five years of implementation and identifying areas of focus for the next five years, both of which should be available by the second round of public meetings and when the draft plan is released. The final plan is anticipated to complete by the third quarter of 2013, Souki said.
Comments may be submitted via email to ORMP_Update@dbedt.hawaii.gov or by mail to the Office of Planning, Coastal Zone Management Program, P.O. Box 2359, Honolulu, HI 96804. For more information, call 587-2846 or visit www.state.hi.us/dbedt/czm/ormp/ormp.php.
