The Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, part of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, has expanded its marine patrol units to O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island, Maui, and Kaua‘i. Officers are patrolling the state’s 700-mile coastline and waters up to three miles offshore. Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Chief Jason Redulla said, "Our marine patrol units are vital to our mission of protecting the natural and cultural resources of Hawai‘i." Lt. Errol “Sparky” Kane, who leads the O‘ahu unit, said, "Hawai‘i's engine is our natural resources. It’s the ocean and the mountains and the climate that make people want to come here. In order to preserve and protect these resources we have to have an enforcement presence that works mauka to makai." Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers recently issued a warning to a personal water craft operator who had landed on a beach illegally, as reported by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
On Hawai‘i Island, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers are continuing enforcement efforts similar to those on O‘ahu. Some officers patrolled by boat and jet ski, conducting "safety boardings" on tour boats near Keauhou Bay. They checked for required safety gear, licenses, and permits. No citations were issued, but one boat operator was warned about a child not wearing a personal flotation device. Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Officer Amanda Llanes said, "So, we go out and document, provide reports and evidence and forward it to NOAA. They decide whether or not to prosecute," explaining the agency’s coordination with NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement. NOAA currently has no officers on Hawai‘i Island, as mentioned by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Despite ongoing efforts to protect natural resources, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement patrols continue to recognize the importance of local culture. According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement’s staff includes skilled watermen and waterwomen who approach their duties with respect. "Here in Hawai‘i we try not to be too forceful, because that’s not our nature," Kane told Department of Land and Natural Resources. "We try to give people a break, but we can only give so many breaks. If we told you once, you’ll probably get a citation the second time around." Marine patrol units are active along the coastlines about four to five days a week, focusing on both enforcement and public education to support conservation efforts.
