Laws to preserve some of our precious lands have given people power that most of them haven't yet tapped.

Advertiser staff writer Kevin Dayton reported on the status of Hawai'i's "land banking" efforts, a movement driven by nonprofit land trusts and, in recent years, fueled by funds raised in tax set-asides.

The new "legacy lands" funds enable the purchase of important properties for conservation that otherwise might be lost to development. Of course, there's nothing wrong with planned development — Hawai'i's economic future depends on it — but a balance must be struck to save enough open land so some of the Islands' most prized assets remain intact.

The last few years have been marked by some spectacular acquisitions: Thousands of acres in Waimea Valley, Moanalua Valley and Pupukea-Paumalu are now protected.

However, the mission doesn't end when the purchase money has been exchanged for the land title. True stewardship of land for the public interest requires long-term land management: the upkeep, public access provisions and liability coverage.

Legacy lands funds, unfortunately, were designated by law only for acquisition purposes. That restriction should be revisited and discussed by lawmakers. It may be that reliance on private donations to support management of legacy lands will remain the best route to take, but the state should consider whether spending at least some of the money on land management would lead to more realistic land conservation plans.

And there are other ways to protect land. Nonprofit land trusts are influential agents here. The national Trust for Public Land is well-known, but others are forming on various islands. Private landowners can convey a conservation easement to these trusts in return for a tax break, giving the trust legal standing to enforce land-use restrictions.

Residents who cherish Hawai'i's environmental and cultural treasures can help preserve them by getting involved in such groups, and in supporting the long-term stewardship of their home.