About CZM

The Federal Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program was created through passage of the CZM Act of 1972. Since the approval of the Hawaiʻi CZM Program in 1977 (Chapter 205A, Hawaii Revised Statutes), our unique federal-state partnership has provided a proven basis for protecting, restoring and responsibly developing important and diverse coastal communities and resources. 

The Hawaiʻi CZM Program was enacted to provide a common focus for state and county actions dealing with land and water uses and activities. In finding that laws, ordinances, and rules dealing with coastal resources needed a more effective and coordinated focus, the Hawaiʻi CZM Program was tasked with serving as the State’s resource management policy umbrella to encourage agencies to look at resources in a different way.  

  • To effectuate this network concept, Chapter 205A requires state and county agencies to legally and operationally comply with CZM objectives and policies.