Holomua Marine Initiative hosts additional talk story session in Waimea focused on management of marine resources

The Holomua Marine Initiative is holding an additional “talk story” session in Waimea focused on how to manage Hawaiʻi Island’s marine resources, with a community meeting scheduled for Sunday, July 12, 2026. A team from the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) will gather input, building on seven sessions held across the island in May that drew more than 400 residents. The July 12 session, described as a “Hana Hou” event, aims to include perspectives from community groups that were underrepresented earlier. Organizers say concerns and priorities raised in May and at the Waimea meeting will directly guide the Holomua planning process. The initiative seeks to expand local and traditional knowledge into decisions through an Island Navigation Team working alongside experts and resource managers to support sustainable harvesting and healthy reefs. West Hawaiʻi biologist Chris Teague and East Hawaiʻi biologist Ryan Okano emphasized transparency and broader local representation.