Governor Josh Green, M.D.

Information provided by OPSD

In Hawai‘i, where reverence for the land and sea is ingrained in our culture, the sentiment often echoes, “Every Day is Earth Day.” Blessed to call this paradise home, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development (OPSD) recognizes the need for ongoing stewardship of our natural resources.

The Hawaiian Archipelago, known as Ka Pae ‘Āina o Hawai‘i, comprises 132 islands and more than a thousand miles of coastline in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. With eight major islands, seven of which are inhabited, Hawai‘i stands as the nation’s sole island state. Our landscapes boast volcanic marvels, verdant mountain ranges, unparalleled biodiversity, and crystalline waters.

OPSD confronts the realities of climate change and human impact. Coastal hazards and environmental pressures threaten our shores and waters. As stewards of this unique ecosystem, the OPSD’s Coastal Zone Management Program (HCZMP) works tirelessly to protect, preserve, and restore our coastal resources. It works to implement the Ocean Resources Management Plan (ORMP) which has three focus areas, Coastal Hazards, Land-Based Pollution, and Marine Ecosystems. Examples of some of the work it is currently doing are: Sea Level Rise Adaptation for State Facili­ties – a project that entails interagency coordination to identify and adapt state facilities that are vulnerable to sea level rise and other natural hazards; the redevelopment of the Low-Impact Development Users Guide – a stormwater management planning tool to identify best-management practices suited for different environments and situations; and the Kōkua Community-Based Monitoring Program – a project that brings together communities and agencies to monitor and restore near-shore ecosystems.

OPSD reminds us that our actions today shape the legacy we leave for future generations. Despite the weight of this responsibility, we can find strength in unity. The Hawaiian proverb, “‘A‘ohe hua o ka mai‘a i ka lā ho‘okahi,” teaches us that no task is insurmount­able when undertaken together. As we reflect on our role as stewards of this ‘āina as a state, let us and work hand-in-hand to pro­tect the natural wonders of Hawai‘i for generations to come.