LAWAIʻA PONO: EXPLORING CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN COMMUNITY-BASED MARINE MANAGEMENT IN HAWAIʻI

Abstract

With a specific focus on CBSFAs, this research identifies the conflicts and challenges that hinder Native Hawaiian participation in the management and stewardship of Hawaii’s rich biocultural resources. The study also explores the role of capacity-building, community representation, and institutional structures in co-management arrangements with state government in Hawai‘i. Using a qualitative research design and aided by Community-Based Participatory Research approach (CBPR), 13 semi-structured interviews were conducted that engaged participants in discussions on the research objectives. The interview transcripts were transcribed, and thematic analysis was conducted on NVivo 12. The results provide important insights into challenges that Native Hawaiian communities face in partnering with state agencies including lack of political will, scarcity of funds, and ineffective relationship-building and communication. Findings also include a list of recommendations for state agencies to enhance co-management arrangements and foster trust with communities. Native Hawaiian sovereignty and self-determination, impacts of colonialism, and importance of subsistence culture were discussed in detail by participants. Connection to place, family, and ancestors was elaborated on and the vital importance of traditional practices was emphasized.