Governor proclaims 2026 as ‘Year of Our Coastal Kuleana’

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green declared 2026 the “Year of Our Coastal Kuleana.”

Green’s proclamation kicks off a year-long campaign filled with opportunities for education, responsible recreation and volunteerism.

The announcement was made in partnership with Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources and a broad array of nonprofit partners, all with a goal of encouraging people throughout the islands to celebrate the rich diversity of life in the state’s coastal habitats.

“Every Hawaiʻi resident has a responsibility to care for our land, coastline and ocean,” said Green in an announcement about his proclamation. “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 cleanup and beautification efforts, each of us has an important role to play.”

Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Deputy Director Ciara Kahahane emphasized the kākou nature of coastal conservation, which includes multiple state Land Department divisions working with partner organizations and communities statewide.

She noted that the “Year of Our Coastal Kuleana” website contains information and events to encourage the people of Hawaiʻi to do four things in 2026:

• Learn about coastal ecosystems and species — including seabirds, waterbirds, native bees, ʻōpaeʻula (shrimp), limu, corals, fish, seals and turtles.
• Get outside and connect with coastlines near you while following guidelines on pono recreation found on the Coastal Kuleana website.
• Help out through volunteering at a beach cleanup, planting native species in coastal areas or removing invasive plants.
• Learn what you can do from your own backyard to keep pollutants out of our coastal environments.

“This is about turning kuleana into action,” noted Kahahane in the state announcement. “Across [Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources] 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.”

Learn more at the Coastal Kuleana website.