The purpose of this chapter is to govern the practice and procedure before the office of planning in determining approval of development in special management areas, and structures and activities within shoreline setback areas of community development districts. This chapter shall be liberally construed to preserve, protect, and where possible, to restore the natural resources of the coastal zone of Hawaii. Special controls on developments within an area along the shoreline are necessary to avoid permanent losses of valuable resources and the foreclosure of management options, and to ensure that adequate public access, by dedication or other means, to publicly owned or used beaches, recreation areas, and natural reserves is provided.
Haw. Code R. § 15-150-1