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HRS §226-11

State goals for protecting land, shore, and ocean

This section sets broad goals for how Hawaii should plan its land, shoreline, and marine resources. It says the state should use these resources wisely and protect fragile environments. It also lists policies to guide decisions, like protecting native species and encouraging public access for recreation and learning.

state agencies

The statute, as written — Objectives and policies for the physical environment--land-based, shoreline, and marine resources

(a) Planning for the State's physical environment with regard to land-based, shoreline, and marine resources shall be directed towards achievement of the following objectives: (1) Prudent use of Hawaii's land-based, shoreline, and marine resources. (2) Effective protection of Hawaii's unique and fragile environmental resources. (b) To achieve the land-based, shoreline, and marine resources objectives, it shall be the policy of this State to: (1) Exercise an overall conservation ethic in the use of Hawaii's natural resources. (2) Ensure compatibility between land-based and water-based activities and natural resources and ecological systems. (3) Take into account the physical attributes of areas when planning and designing activities and facilities. (4) Manage natural resources and environs to encourage their beneficial and multiple use without generating costly or irreparable environmental damage. (5) Consider multiple uses in watershed areas, provided such uses do not detrimentally affect water quality and recharge functions. (6) Encourage the protection of rare or endangered plant and animal species and habitats native to Hawaii. (7) Provide public incentives that encourage private actions to protect significant natural resources from degradation or unnecessary depletion. (8) Pursue compatible relationships among activities, facilities, and natural resources. (9) Promote increased accessibility and prudent use of inland and shoreline areas for public recreational, educational, and scientific purposes.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.