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Bill

SB 2979

RELATING TO COMMUNITY CO-MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 4 co-sponsors

SB 2979 creates legal partnerships allowing Hawaii communities to jointly manage public lands and natural resources with government agencies, sharing decision-making authority.

Reported from WLA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2606) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC.
#communityco-managementagreements #community-basedorganizations #dlnr #disposalofstatelands
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Bill Summary · SB 2979

Legislative bill overview

SB 2979 establishes a framework for community co-management agreements in Hawaii, enabling local communities to participate formally in managing natural resources, lands, or public assets alongside government agencies. The bill appears designed to create legal structures through which community organizations can gain decision-making authority in resource management currently handled solely by state or county governments.

Why is this important

Co-management arrangements can improve resource stewardship by incorporating local knowledge and cultural practices while building community trust in government decisions. However, these agreements also shift governance authority and responsibility, raising questions about accountability, expertise requirements, and how disputes between community partners and agencies would be resolved.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and authority limits: Unclear what types of resources or decisions communities can co-manage, and whether community decisions could override agency expertise or conflict with state law
  • Liability and accountability: Who bears legal responsibility if co-managed resources suffer damage or if community partners make decisions that harm ecological or public interests
  • Resource allocation: Whether state/county funding, staffing, or enforcement authority would transfer to community partners, potentially straining budgets or creating administrative complexity
  • Selection and representation: How communities are chosen for agreements and whether they truly represent diverse stakeholder interests or concentrate power among organized groups

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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