HONOLULU — After eight months of intense training in class and in the field, the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement’s largest recruit class of 41 men and women gear up to work in the real world on Monday after being sworn in and commissioned in a ceremony at Leeward Community College on Friday.
The newly commissioned Hawaii Conservation Resources Enforcement Officers are expected to make an immediate impact in conservation enforcement at the four DOCARE branches on Oahu (14), Hawaii Island (14), Maui (7) and Kauai (6) by bolstering staff and fulfilling patrol needs.
“I’m greatly appreciative for the kuleana that these men and women have accepted,” said DLNR Chair Dawn Chang in a news release. “I welcome them to the DLNR Ohana.” Other speakers included Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, Senator Donovan Dela Cruz and Lt. Oscar Diaz (retired DPS).
DOCARE officers oversee large geographic areas, working with little or no oversight. They’re expected to command a firm understanding of natural resource laws and work in challenging conditions on land and at sea.
“If you combine the skills of a police officer, game warden, park ranger, marine patrol officer, educator, medic and counselor, that’s a DOCARE officer,” said DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla. “These officers have a broad skillset and the academy was the vehicle to get them equipped so they can best serve Hawaii in protecting its natural and cultural resources.”
Through the academy training, individuals with no law or conservation enforcement experience become competent officers with the needed skills to perform the job while keeping kuleana, community service and the practice of pono top of mind.
“To the visitor mindset, Hawaii’s natural resources are elements of paradise — clear ocean waters, sandy beaches, warm sun, tropical fish, but to residents with ties to this place it means a lot more, it’s our identity,” said DOCARE Lt. Carlton Helm, who led the academy. “Without the resources, little by little, we start to lose that identity. CREOs are committed to our communities and to protecting our resources.”
CREOs duties include enforcing rules and laws, educating residents and visitors and interacting with the community. During this next field-training phase, they’ll work alongside experienced officers at their respective island posts, applying what they’ve learned in real-world situations under a watchful eye.
“Learning in a classroom is one thing,” Lt. Helm explained. “Having role players and stopping to provide remedial training for the sake of recruit development is good, but in the real world there are no timeouts. That’s where the seasoned officers come in — to provide support, safety and proper direction if need be.”
The academy program is unique in that it offers a public safety and a natural resources component. It’s a community effort with multiple partners, including Honolulu Community College, elected officials, DLNR and other state department leadership, conservation nonprofits, subject experts, other organizations and residents.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.
