Board of Land and Natural Resources

The Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) is one of Hawaii's most powerful state bodies, making decisions on the use of all state lands, conservation district permits, water resource management, coastal zone management, and historic preservation. It approves or denies permits for everything from shoreline development to stream diversions, and manages millions of acres of state-owned land across all islands. The board also governs the State Parks system and the Division of Aquatic Resources.

BLNR decisions directly affect public access to beaches and trails, the health of Hawaii's nearshore fisheries and watersheds, and what development is allowed near ecologically sensitive areas. Residents have the right to testify at BLNR hearings on specific permits and to participate in contested case proceedings on major decisions.