On July 12, Big Island residents are invited to attend a final talk story session on how to best manage the island’s marine resources. 

Last May, the Holomua Marine Initiative hosted seven talk story sessions across Hawaiʻi Island drawing a strong turnout of more than 400 residents. DLNR-DAR has organized this additional “Hana Hou” session in hopes of acquiring information and perspectives from key community groups and voices that were underrepresented in the original seven sessions.

Community concerns, priorities and input gathered during both the May sessions and the July 12 Waimea meeting will directly guide the Holomua process.

The talk story sessions are part of DLNR-DAR’s ongoing effort to expand the Holomua Marine Initiative, a program that ensures local and traditional knowledge directly guides marine resource management decisions. The initiative brings together fishers, cultural practitioners and other community representatives to form an Island Navigation Team that will work with a diverse group of experts and resource managers to collaboratively develop island-scale management actions supporting sustainable harvesting and healthy reefs.

Interested participants are asked to RSVP through the Holomua website at dlnr.hawaii.gov/holomua/

All input gathered from the May and July sessions will be compiled and shared on the Holomua website. In August 2026, DAR will share specific updates online and on social media regarding the next steps.

DLNR Photo