HI HR155

Urges state law enforcement entities including the Department of the Attorney General, Sheriff Division of the Department of Public Safety, and Harbors Division of the Department of Transportation to collaborate with the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) of the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Notes that DOCARE employs approximately 100 officers statewide to enforce laws across state-owned lands from mountains to three miles offshore, state parks, historic sites, forest reserves, aquatic life, wildlife areas, and coastal zones.

Cites specific violations of natural resources during the COVID-19 pandemic including illegal gatherings at Kā'ena Point State Park with drinking and tire burning, unauthorized excavation at Polihale State Park on Kauai, vandalism at Makena State Park on Maui, illegal sewage dumping at Pokai Bay, and illegal aquarium fish harvesting offshore of Kawaihae.

Identifies that DOCARE's understaffing creates a lack of enforcement presence, leading to the closure of certain access points to natural resources due to illegal dumping, pallet burning, illegal camping, and vandalism.

Requires certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Attorney General, Director of Public Safety, and Director of Transportation.