NARS Commission

The Natural Area Reserves System (NARS) Commission members act in an advisory capacity for the Board of Land and Natural Resources, which sets policies for the Department.

Hawaii Revised Statutes §195-6  contains rules that govern the membership, procedures, and administrative details of the commission.

  Hawaii Revised Statutes §195-7 outlines the  powers and duties of the commission: 

 The commission shall:

     (1)  Establish criteria to be used in determining whether an area is suitable for inclusion with the reserves system;

     (2)  Conduct studies of areas for possible inclusion within the reserves system;

     (3)  Recommend to the governor and the department areas suitable for inclusion within the reserves system;

     (4)  Establish policies and criteria regarding the management, protection, and permitted uses of areas which are part of the reserves system;

     (5)  Advise the governor and the department on any matter relating to the preservation of Hawaii's unique natural resources;

     (6)  Develop ways and means of extending and strengthening presently established preserves, sanctuaries, and refuges within the State;

     (7)  Advise the department and other public agencies managing state-owned land or natural resources regarding areas under their respective jurisdictions which are or may be appropriate for designation as natural area reserves; and

     (8)  In carrying out the above duties, consult the most comprehensive up-to-date compilation of scientific data on the communities of natural flora and fauna of Hawaii. [L 1970, c 139, pt of §1; am L 1987, c 350, §5]

View the Meeting History (Minutes, agendas, testimony) of the NARS Commission.

Appointed members as of July 1, 2012:

Dr. John Sinton,  Chair, Geology; June 30, 2013

Ms. Robin Newbold, Marine Biology; June 30, 2016

Ms. Rebecca Alaka`i, Water Issues; June 30, 2013

Dr. Jonathan Price,  Biogeography; June 30, 2016

Mr. Trae Menard, Ecology; June 30, 2016

Ms. Marie Bruegmann, Botany; June 30, 2014

Mr. Ronald Rapanpot, Hunter; June 30, 2013

Mr. Randy Ching, Hiker; June 30, 2015

Ex-officio members as of July 1, 2012:

Mr. Bill Tam, for Chairperson, Board of land and Natural Resources

Ms. Marnie Meyer, for Director, Office of Planning

Dr. Sheila Conant, for President, University of Hawai`i

Mr. Patrick Conant, for Chairperson, Board of Agriculture

Ms. Sydney Iaukea, for Superintendent, Department of Education