As used in this chapter, unless otherwise indicated by the context:

“Board” means the board of land and natural resources.

“Commission” means the natural area reserves system commission.

“Cooperating entity” or “cooperator” means a private nonprofit land-holding organization or any other body deemed by the department as satisfactorily able to assist in the identification, acquisition, and management of natural area reserves.

“Department” means the department of land and natural resources.

“Heritage program” means a comprehensive natural resource inventory data base for public information that includes the location of rare plants, animals, and natural communities (ecosystems) in the State.

“Landowner” means any person or entity having the fee simple interest in land in the State.

“Natural area reserve” means an area designated as a part of the Hawaii natural area reserves system, pursuant to criteria established by the commission.