(Honolulu) – Out of an abundance of caution and to facilitate social distancing recommendations, DLNR and its divisions are announcing the following closures to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this time of major inconvenience. We intend to reopen parks and facilities as soon as the novel coronavirus is no longer a threat. These steps are being taken to protect all visitors and constituents, as well as our staff, while maintaining a high level of service.”
DOCARE
(Honolulu) – A taxi driver, operating in Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM) was arrested this morning by officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE). 69-year-old Eliu Kesi of Honolulu faces charges of Resisting an Order to Stop a Motor Vehicle, a misdemeanor and Reckless Driving of a Vehicle, a petty misdemeanor. His bail has been set at $2000.
(Kawaihae) - On Thursday, February 20, 2020, the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) received information concerning the illegal harvesting of aquarium fish offshore of Kawaihae, Hawai’i County. Acting on the information received, DOCARE Officers conducted a commercial fishing gear and catch inspection of the vessel “Masako” when it returned to the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor. Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) personnel also responded to assist with the inspection.
(Li‘hue) – The Miloli‘i Road gate and the Nu‘alolo Trail in Kōkeʻe State Park on Kaua‘i, will be closed beginning tonight. They are expected to reopen Thursday morning. The closure is at the request of the Kaua‘i Police Dept. and the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and is necessary for a law enforcement operation.
(Hilo) – 129 anglers, or all ages, registered for the week-long Wailoa River Tilapia Fishing Tournament, staged by the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and other partners. It wrapped up yesterday with an awards and outreach event at the Wailoa Art Center.
(Honolulu) - Anyone who witnessed or has information on a case of Hawaiian monk seal harassment is encouraged to call the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) or NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement (OLE).
(Honolulu) – People are being cautioned to stay out of the ocean between Keawakapu Beach and White Rock Beach in the Wailea district on Maui after several sharks were spotted this morning.
(Honolulu) – A 22-year veteran of the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) was recognized today as “Hawai‘i Wildlife Officer of the Year” by Shikar-Safari Club International Foundation. The club and its foundation support educational projects nationwide and in Canada related to wildlife management, hunting and shooting sports.
(Honolulu) – The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has closed a portion of Public Hunting Unit H in the Pu‘u ka Pele Forest Reserve on the west side of Kaua‘i until further notice. The closed portion of the hunting unit is bounded by Makaha Ridge Rd., Kokee Rd., Nualolo Trail and the coastline. Please note that Miloli‘i Road and Nu’alolo trail within this area are both closed. This is due to continuing search and recovery efforts associated with a helicopter crash in the Koke‘e area.
(Honolulu) – For many years, officers of the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) have worn blue uniforms, which in some cases made it difficult for people to tell them apart from county police officers. Beginning next year, DOCARE officers have a complement of new uniforms that better reflect their duties and responsibilities protecting and enforcing Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural resource laws.