Department of Land and Natural Resources
Hawaii Ocean Council
What This Council Does
The Hawaii Ocean Council coordinates state agencies with ocean-related responsibilities, including the Departments of Land and Natural Resources, Transportation, Business Economic Development and Tourism, and Health, to develop a coherent state ocean policy. It advises the Governor on ocean management issues including marine protected areas, aquaculture, ocean energy, and coastal zone management. Hawaii's economy, culture, and ecology are deeply intertwined with the ocean surrounding the islands.
Why You Should Care
Decisions about ocean access, fishing, marine conservation, and coastal development all touch the Hawaii Ocean Council's work. Fishing communities, conservation advocates, surfers, and anyone who uses Hawaii's ocean resources have a stake in state ocean policy.