STAR-ADVERTISER / 2019
Kelii Alapai of Hui Maka ‘Ainana O Makana maintains the loi at Ha‘ena State Park on June 17, 2019. A new law allows the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to enter into agreements with community groups like Hui Maka ‘Ainana O Makana for more effective stewardship of public trust resources.
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I applaud the state Legislature and Gov. Josh Green in passing and signing House Bill 2218, establishing a process for creating long-term stewardship agreements with nonprofits and community groups to care for state lands. Community-based stewardship is nothing new, and stewardship groups have had a variety of formal and informal agreements with the state.
I have had the privilege of volunteering with several on Oahu over the years, and they all cultivate connection, awareness and hope for a resilient and better future. It is our kuleana to malama aina, and it is long overdue that the state recognizes and rewards those who do. Besides, they will never have enough funding or resources to do it for us. This new law helps promote and protect this important work, so it is much appreciated. Mahalo.
Travis Idol
Downtown Honolulu
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