LAWAIʻA PONO: EXPLORING CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN COMMUNITY-BASED MARINE MANAGEMENT IN HAWAIʻI
Date
2023-08-30
Authors
Hameed, Ahmad
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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.
Description
Native Hawaiian communities are striving to protect their customary ways of life and use Indigenous Traditional Knowledge for stewardship of their natural and cultural resources in Hawai‘i. These resources face major threats and have consistently dwindled over the past few years. The colonial and neo-colonial management strategies have eroded traditional practices and management systems that had sustained the Hawaiian Archipelago for centuries. To tackle resulting contemporary environmental issues and counter commercial interests and tourism challenges, a resurgence of traditional management systems and effective co-management arrangements is needed. Communities across the Hawaiian Archipelago are engaged in the establishment of Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Areas (CBSFAs) which regulate resource use and strive to protect traditional fishing practices. CBSFAs allow communities to self-govern their natural and cultural resources and amplify their roles in environmental management. However, since the passage of the CBSFA legislation, only two communities have established CBSFAs with approved management plans.
Keywords
Co-management, Governance, Marine management