New panel to study
ocean issues

A new state task force has been formed to study ocean and coastal issues.

Peter Young: The state DLNR chairman is expected to head the new ocean council

Gov. Linda Lingle formally created the Hawaii Ocean and Coastal Council yesterday, composed of state, county and federal officials who regulate ocean issues.

"The council will play a critical role in providing advice and recommendations on the directions and planning for protecting and managing Hawaii's ocean and coastal resources," Lingle said.

Actions by the council are not binding, but will serve to guide Lingle's positions on ocean issues.

The new council also will put together an agenda for an ocean summit, to be held in October in conjunction with the All Island Coastal Zone Management meeting to be held in Honolulu that month.

Peter Young, chairman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, is expected to be the group's chairman.