HI HB2218

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to enter into community co-management agreements with qualified nonprofit organizations through direct negotiation without public auction

Agreements may last up to 65 years and must serve purposes including Native Hawaiian cultural practices, environmental restoration, habitat preservation, visitor management, or ʻāina education

Community-based organizations must demonstrate nonprofit status, relevant mission, project history in the proposed area, and submit a detailed co-management plan addressing activities, accountability standards, dispute resolution, and funding methods

DLNR must review each agreement every five years and may amend or terminate agreements based on whether the organization meets its co-management plan goals

Builds on existing community partnerships in places like Hāʻena, Pūpūkea, Kīpahulu, and Kealakekua, where grassroots groups have collaborated with government on resource stewardship for decades