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New DLNR Leadership May Alter Land Use and Permitting Timelines

·5 min read·👀 Watch

Executive Summary

The retirement of DLNR Director Dawn Chang and appointment of Ryan Kanakaʻole effective July 1 could signal shifts in state land use, environmental, and permitting policies. Businesses reliant on state land or permits should monitor for new directives.

  • Real Estate Owners/Developers: Potential changes in permit processing times and zoning interpretations.
  • Agriculture & Food Producers: Possible adjustments to water rights and land use policies.
  • Tourism Operators: Watch for any new regulations impacting coastal access or conservation land use.
  • Action: Monitor DLNR policy announcements and permit processing metrics starting July 1.

Watch & Prepare

Medium PriorityJuly 1 onwards

Changes in leadership at DLNR could signal future policy shifts that affect development timelines and regulatory environments, requiring businesses to adjust their planning if new directives are issued.

Monitor DLNR policy announcements, public hearing notices, and permit processing metrics via the official DLNR website and announcements from the Governor's office starting July 1. Note any changes in stated priorities or reported processing times for permits relevant to your operations.

Who's Affected
Real Estate OwnersAgriculture & Food ProducersTourism Operators
Ripple Effects
  • →Longer DLNR permitting timelines → increased development costs → slower new housing supply → higher rental rates
  • →Shifts in water allocation policy → impacts on agricultural yields → potential food price fluctuations
  • →New conservation or access regulations → changes in tourism site accessibility → operational adjustments for tour operators
Discover the stunning skyline of Honolulu with ocean views from a scenic overlook.
Photo by Stephen Leonardi

DLNR Director Transition: What to Watch

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is set to undergo a leadership change with the retirement of Director Dawn Chang on July 1, 2026. Governor Josh Green has appointed Ryan Kanakaʻole to assume the role of Chairperson and Director. This transition, while routine, carries implications for industries that interact directly with state land, natural resources, and permitting processes.

The DLNR oversees a vast array of responsibilities, including the management of state lands, water resources, conservation districts, historic preservation, and the issuance of various permits for development, use, and resource extraction. Changes in leadership can often herald shifts in policy priorities, enforcement approaches, and the pace of administrative processes. The specific policy directions under Director Kanakaʻole remain to be seen, but this juncture presents an opportunity to assess potential impacts on business operations.

Who's Affected

This leadership transition at the Department of Land and Natural Resources warrants attention from several key sectors:

  • Real Estate Owners & Developers: Changes in DLNR direction could affect the timeline and complexity of obtaining permits for new construction, renovations, or land development projects that fall under state jurisdiction (e.g., projects near coastlines, conservation districts, or involving water use). Developers should be particularly attuned to any announced changes in permitting procedures, environmental review processes, or zoning interpretations related to state-managed lands.

  • Agriculture & Food Producers: The DLNR plays a critical role in water resource management and land use allocations. Farmers, ranchers, and aquaculture operators who rely on state-allocated water sources or lease state agricultural lands could be impacted by any shifts in water policy, drought management strategies, or land lease renewal terms. Understanding the new director's stance on agricultural resource utilization is paramount.

  • Tourism Operators: Businesses in the tourism sector, including hotels, tour operators, and vacation rental managers, may be indirectly affected. Changes in DLNR policies regarding coastal management, environmental protection, or access to natural attractions could influence the visitor experience and operational regulations. For instance, new conservation measures or land use restrictions impacting popular tourist areas would require operational adjustments.

Second-Order Effects

A potential slowdown in DLNR permitting processes could have cascading effects. If new policies lead to longer wait times for development approvals, this could increase construction costs due to prolonged project financing and labor standby. This, in turn, could delay the completion of new housing units and commercial spaces, potentially exacerbating existing housing shortages and increasing rental rates for businesses. For agricultural producers, shifts in water allocation policies could impact crop yields and operational scales, affecting food supply chains and local market prices.

What to Do

Given the "WATCH" action level, businesses should focus on proactive monitoring rather than immediate reactive measures. The goal is to anticipate potential policy shifts and their downstream consequences, allowing for timely adjustments to strategic planning and operational workflows.

  • Real Estate Owners/Developers: Begin reviewing current and upcoming projects for any potential overlap with DLNR jurisdiction. Note any pending permit applications and be prepared to provide additional information or adapt plans if new regulatory requirements emerge.

  • Agriculture & Food Producers: Assess current water use permits and land leases administered by DLNR. Engage with agricultural associations to stay informed about any proposed changes to water management or land use policies.

  • Tourism Operators: Stay abreast of any DLNR announcements concerning environmental regulations, coastal zone management, or access to natural resources that could affect visitor sites or operations. Ensure compliance with existing regulations while remaining aware of potential future modifications.

The key is to establish a monitoring routine for official DLNR communications, public hearing notices, and departmental reports starting July 1st. This will provide early warning of any significant policy changes.

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