HI SB3048

Appropriates general revenue funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for fiscal year 2018-2019 to establish a training academy for conservation and resources enforcement officers.

Creates two permanent full-time equivalent (FTE) positions: one educational specialist and one office assistant to support the training academy.

Addresses staffing shortages in conservation enforcement by eliminating the prior law enforcement experience requirement, which previously limited applicants to current and former law enforcement employees.

Builds on a $148,000 grant from the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation and collaboration between DLNR and the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law to establish the academy.

Effective date: July 1, 2050.