Community co‑management bill advances after broad public support

The Senate committee recommended SB 2979 move forward with amendments after extensive public testimony from community organizations, Hawaiian civic clubs and conservation groups.

Speakers representing Hui Makai, Malama Pupukea Waimea and other community groups emphasized that co‑management formalizes existing stewardship relationships and strengthens local accountability. Billy Kinney and Chipper Wickman, among others, told senators the bill should allow DLNR discretion on agreement terms and incorporate amendments proposed by Kua and DLNR to keep the bill moving.

DLNR staff and multiple testifiers described months of coordination in a co‑management working group and asked that the measure include DLNR’s suggested language to facilitate direct negotiation with qualified nonprofits and allow multiple organizations to co‑manage particular parcels. The committee indicated it would adopt DLNR‑recommended technical changes, note in the committee report that 65‑year lease terms may be enabled by the measure and ask Judiciary to review any legal issues related to long‑term terms.

The chair’s recommendation moved SB 2979 forward with amendments to reflect DLNR’s negotiation framework and to permit co‑management by multiple organizations. The committee noted the large volume of community support and recommended the bill continue to Ways and Means with technical committee changes.