Recognizing its central role, the County of Maui’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, developed by the Department of ‘Ōiwi Resources, elevates Hawaiian knowledge and host culture as a foundational economic and community pillar. The plan is anchored in ʻike kūpuna—ancestral wisdom—and centers on integrating cultural values into governance, education, conservation, and social systems.
Native Hawaiian practitioners bring deep-rooted expertise in understanding weather patterns, ecological systems, food cultivation, healing practices, and resource management—skills that have sustained Maui Nui for generations. The plan emphasizes preserving ‘ōiwi resources and cultural traditions while ensuring they remain active components of local decision-making and economic development.