Gov. Josh Green poses with representatives of nonprofit organizations following a proclamation signing declaring 2026 the “Year of Our Coastal Kuleana,” a statewide initiative focused on education, responsible recreation and volunteerism to protect Hawaii’s coastal and marine environments. Courtesy photo

Gov. Josh Green has declared 2026 the “Year of Our Coastal Kuleana,” launching a statewide initiative aimed at promoting education, responsible recreation and volunteerism to help protect Hawaii’s coastlines and ocean resources.

The designation was announced Friday during a proclamation signing in partnership with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and nonprofit organizations.

State officials said the yearlong initiative is intended to encourage residents and visitors to take shared responsibility for caring for coastal and marine environments.

“Every Hawaii resident has a responsibility to care for our land, coastline and ocean,” Green said. “From small, personal efforts to making sure we remove all of our trash when leaving the park or the beach, to participating in large-scale clean-up and beautification efforts, each of us has an important role to play.”

DLNR Deputy Director Ciara Kahahane emphasized the kākou nature of coastal conservation, which includes multiple divisions in the department working with partners and communities statewide.

She added that the Year of our Coastal Kuleana website contains information and events to encourage residents to learn about coastal ecosystems and species, get outside and connect with coastlines and help out through volunteering.

“This is about turning kuleana into action,” Kahahane said. “Across DLNR and our many partners, we’re creating opportunities for people to learn about these places, enjoy them responsibly and take meaningful steps to help protect what makes our home unique.”

Speakers at Friday’s proclamation included Helen Raine from Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture and Clara Orr from Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response, who highlighted specific coastal issues such as the low numbers of coastal birds and monk seals and the ways that people can help protect these species.

Other partners involved in the campaign include the Kauai and Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Projects, Hawaii Audubon Society, Hawaii Wildlife Center, Nene.org, 808 Cleanups, Hui o Koʻolaupoko, Livable Maunalua Hui, ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative and more.