Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2218 HD2 SD2 CD1 (ACT 203).

This bill authorizes the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources to enter into formal community co-management agreements with local nonprofit organizations to better steward public trust resources. It establishes specific qualifications for eligible community groups and allows these agreements to cover land and natural resources without requiring a public auction. The legislation aims to support long-term partnerships with place-based communities, such as those in Haena and Kipahulu, by providing a legal framework that honors traditional Native Hawaiian management practices.