Conservation District

The State of Hawaii Conservation District is a designated land area managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) through the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL). This district was established to protect Hawaii’s natural resources and encompasses various land types including watersheds, scenic areas, parklands, wilderness areas, beach reserves, and habitats for endemic plants and wildlife.  The Conservation District also includes submerged lands makai of the shoreline.

  1. Purpose:

    The Conservation District aims to protect and preserve vital natural resources, including watersheds, water supplies, scenic areas, parks, wilderness, beach reserves, and habitats for endemic plants, fish, and wildlife. It also aims to prevent floods and soil erosion, promote forestry, and support related conservation activities​.

  2. Subzones:

    The district is divided into five subzones:

    • Protective: The objective of this subzone is to protect valuable natural and cultural resources.
    • Limited: The objective of this subzone is to limit uses where natural conditions suggest constraints on human activities.
    • Resource: The objective of this subzone is to ensure, with proper management, the sustainable use of the natural resources of those areas.
    • General: The objective of this subzone designates open space where specific conservation uses may not be defined, but where urban use would be premature.
    • Special: Areas with unique land uses​ 

  3. Regulation and Permits:

    Activities within the Conservation District are regulated by Title 13, Chapter 5 of the Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules and Chapter 183C of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes. These rules specify permissible land uses and outline the process for obtaining discretionary permits​.

  4. Management and Oversight:

    The DLNR, through the OCCL, administers land use regulations, processes Conservation District Use Applications (CDUAs), and enforces compliance to protect and sustain the natural resources within the district​.

  5. Enforcement:

    The OCCL is responsible for enforcing the regulations within the Conservation District, which includes imposing fines for violations and ensuring that activities adhere to environmental standards and land use policies.  

  6. Public Involvement:

    The rule-making process for the Conservation District involves public review and hearings. Proposed rules or amendments undergo extensive public consultation before they are finalized and enacted​.