HI HR27

DOCARE (Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement) enforces laws protecting Hawaii's natural, cultural, and historic resources across state lands, parks, forests, aquatic areas, coastal zones, and three miles offshore.

DOCARE operates with approximately 100 officers across all Hawaiian islands despite having jurisdiction over vast territories, creating resource limitations that prevent adequate enforcement coverage.

Recent incidents demonstrate enforcement gaps including illegal gatherings at Makena's Pu'u Ola'i, illegal boat sewage dumping at Pokai Bay, illegal aquarium fish harvesting near Kawaihae, and forced closures of Keawe'ula and Ka'ena Point State Park due to staffing shortages.

House of Representatives requests collaboration between state law enforcement entities (Attorney General's Department, Sheriff Division of Department of Public Safety, and Harbors Division of Department of Transportation) with DOCARE to support its conservation enforcement mission.

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