Urging The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Develop A Plan To Include A Specific Role For The Native Hawaiian Community In The Coastal Zone Management Plan.
If implemented, the resolution is expected to bridge traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary coastal management strategies, enhancing the sustainability of resource use while respecting native Hawaiian rights. The document cites the Hawaii Supreme Court's recognition of the state's obligation to preserve native Hawaiian rights, highlighting the necessity of integrating these perspectives to avoid oversights that have previously led to the degradation of cultural resources. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development is reported to establish a consultation implementation plan that prioritizes the interests of native Hawaiians in coastal and ocean management.
Senate Resolution 164 urges the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development of Hawaii to create a plan that incorporates a specific role for the Native Hawaiian community in the Coastal Zone Management Plan. This initiative arises from the historical context wherein native Hawaiians established sustainable management systems over centuries, integrating their cultural knowledge with environmental practices beneficial to both their community and the natural surroundings. The resolution advocates for greater representation and consideration of native Hawaiian perspectives in decisions impacting ocean resources because their cultural identity is deeply intertwined with the marine environment.
The general sentiment surrounding SR164 is positive, particularly within the Native Hawaiian community and its supporters, who view it as a step toward reclaiming agency over their ancestral resources. Advocates stress the importance of meaningful consultation that not only acknowledges but actively engages the cultural practices and knowledge of native Hawaiians in policy-making. However, there may be resistance from entities that perceive the consultation requirement as a potential hurdle to expedient planning and economic development.
While the resolution aims to nurture collaboration between state bodies and the Native Hawaiian community, potential contention may arise regarding the extent of this engagement and the balance between economic development and cultural preservation. The commitment from the State to include native Hawaiian insights raises questions about how these suggestions will influence agency decisions and the practicality of maintaining ongoing, meaningful dialogue that informs state actions. The challenge lies in ensuring that the resolution translates into effective on-the-ground changes within the coastal management framework.