Science & Data/Partners/Federal

Federal

Building strong federal partnerships to protect Hawai‘i’s coastal and aquatic resources.

Overview

The Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) collaborates with federal partners to advance aquatic conservation, fisheries management, and habitat restoration across Hawai‘i. These partnerships strengthen our ability to protect native species, sustain local communities, and ensure the health of our Hawaiian ecosystems.

Why Federal Partnerships Matter

Federal agencies provide critical resources, expertise, and policy alignment that enable Hawai‘i to:

  • Conduct cutting-edge scientific research.
  • Implement sustainable fisheries programs.
  • Respond to climate change and marine threats.
  • Secure funding for conservation initiatives.
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Key Federal Partners

    • NOAA Fisheries – Supporting sustainable fisheries and protected species programs.
    • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Collaborating on habitat restoration and endangered species recovery.
    • National Ocean Service – Advancing ocean observation and coastal resilience.
    • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Partnering to improve water quality, reduce land‑based pollution impacts, and protect nearshore aquatic ecosystems.
    • U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) – Coordinating on stewardship of coastal and marine resources near military lands and waters, supporting environmental compliance, habitat protection, and shared research initiatives.
    • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Partnering on coastal infrastructure and ecosystem restoration projects.
    • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – Supporting science‑based decision‑making through ecosystem research, biological monitoring, and data on coastal and freshwater resources.
    • U.S. Forest Service – Collaborating on watershed protection, invasive species management, and land‑sea connections that influence nearshore marine ecosystems.
    • U.S. Coast Guard – Supporting maritime safety, enforcement, and protection of marine resources within Hawai‘i’s coastal and offshore waters.
    • Office of the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) – Coordinating on federal interagency awareness and national security considerations related to maritime and environmental stewardship.
    • Western Pacific Fishery Management Council – Collaborating on fisheries management, ecosystem‑based approaches, and sustainable use of marine resources across the U.S. Pacific Islands region.
    • Congressional Delegation – Ensuring Hawai‘i’s voice is heard in national policy discussions.
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Mazie Hirono visiting with members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and local community members during an outdoor gathering at Kanewai Springs, engaged in discussion about the site and community matters.
Senator Hirono visits with Community Members and DAR at Kanewai Springs
Mazie Hirono speaking with Daughters of the American Revolution and local community members at Kanewai Springs during a site visit
Sharing Kanewai Spring with Senator Hirono
Mazie Hirono standing with members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and local community members during an outdoor visit at Kanewai Springs, engaging in conversation about the site and community concerns.
Senator Hirono meeting members of our Community

Looking Ahead

DAR will continue to strengthen federal partnerships to:

  • Expand monitoring and research with data sharing
  • Enhance community-based stewardship programs.
  • Secure long-term funding for conservation and restoration efforts.
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