Ma Kahana ka ‘Ike, Lessons from Kahana, O‘ahu: Building Capacity for Community-Based Coastal Resource Management

Abstract

Coastal resource governance is developing towards more inclusive, community-driven frameworks as centralized government approaches struggle to manage declining resources. I explore a case of long-enduring local level management in which a rural Hawaiʻi fishing community is reclaiming their role as caretakers despite changes in land and sea tenure, governance, access, and use. Focused on Kahana, O‘ahu, this research details the evolving institution of konohiki, specifically local level fisheries management led by a head fisherman in modern times (1850-1965). Findings also identify sources of conflict underlying state-community collaboration, yet informal ways in which fishing families continue to care for their coastal resources. Emerging from this research are important considerations for community-based collaborative management. These include: 1) understanding historical context for enhancing institutional fit, 2) fostering community ability to manage coastal resources through informal and formal processes, and 3) balancing rights and responsibilities of community and the public.