Hawaiʻi Conservation Kuleana

What does hunting really mean in Hawaiʻi—and why does it matter more than many people realize? In this episode, we head mauka to explore a side of conservation that’s often misunderstood. From early mornings in rugged terrain to the deep cultural roots of subsistence living, hunting is more than a pastime; it’s food security, ecosystem management and a way of life. Join DLNR Game Management expert Nick Vargas and lifelong Lānaʻi hunter Stan Ruidas to unpack the realities behind the practice: ...

Season 2 begins. A shared kuleana continues. We’re kicking off Season Two of Hawaiʻi Conservation Kuleana with a powerful, cross-division conversation on 2026: The Year of Our Coastal Kuleana. DLNR leaders from Forestry & Wildlife, Aquatic Resources, State Parks, and Boating & Ocean Recreation come together to talk story about what kuleana means and how every person who lives, works, or visits Hawaiʻi plays a role in caring for our coasts. From beach cleanups and wetland restoration t...

Winter is coming - as are the ocean swells on the North Shore that create epic surf conditions and sometimes threaten private properties close to the shoreline. In this episode, we walk the coastline with Michael Cain, Administrator of the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL), to uncover the complex balancing act between protecting private property and preserving public beaches. From sea walls collapsing on Oʻahu’s North Shore to a statewide permit system that’s easing the p...

In this episode, we sit down with leaders from the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) to explore the immense responsibility of managing and protecting some of the most precious natural and cultural resources in the islands. From the highest mountain ridges to remote offshore seabird sanctuaries, DOFAW stewards roughly a quarter of Hawai‘i’s land mass — safeguarding native forests, endangered species, and vital watersheds that sustain life in th...

In this episode, we feature the leaders of the Division of Aquatic Resources. Luna Kekoa and Brian Neilson share how personal experiences shape their values and fuel their drive to protect Hawaiʻi’s nearshore waters. From adapting generational knowledge to modern science, to building trust with local communities they reveal how DAR is shifting its approach to ensure thriving fisheries for generations to come. It's not just about managing resources—it's about relationships, respect, and respon...

In this episode of Hawaii Conservation Kuleana, DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla shares his personal journey, from growing up in Kalihi to leading Hawaii’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. Chief Redulla provides an insider’s look into the vital work of DOCARE officers, their role in protecting Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources, and the challenges they face on the front lines of conservation law enforcement. Learn about the critical issues facing the division, including ille...

Join us for a conversation with the leadership of the Division of State Parks: Administrator Curt Cottrell and Assistant Administrator Alan Carpenter. Cottrell and Carpenter share their career journeys that brought them to the Division. Learn the backstory of managing Hawaiʻi state parks and the significant community partnerships that help protect our precious cultural sites.

Step into the heart of Hawaiʻi’s most pressing environmental and cultural conversations with Hawaiʻi Conservation Kuleana, hosted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). In each episode, we explore the intricate balance of conservation and community, diving deep into the challenges, triumphs, and innovative strategies shaping Hawaiʻi’s land, waters, and heritage. With topics ranging from climate resilience and wildlife preservation to cultural stewardship and community engagem...