DLNR Names Permanent Big Island DOCARE Chief

File photo by Wendy Osher.

A Big Island Department of Land and Natural Resources officer who had been serving in a temporary role within the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement has been permanently placed in the position.

DOCARE’s Lino Kamakau was acting as the island’s branch chief for the past year and a half.

“It is my honor and privilege to announce the selection of Lino Kamakau as DOCARE’s Hawai’i Island Branch Chief, effective immediately,” said DOCARE Chief Thomas Friel in a DLNR release.

Kamakau has spent 17 year in law enforcement on the Big Island, with an emphasis on enforcement of natural resource laws.

He served for a decade as a Hawai’i Police Department officer, kicking off his career. Kamakau spent nine years as a Conservation Resource Officer III and six years as a DOCARE Field Supervisor.

Since September 2014, Kamakau has been serving as the acting Branch Chief on the Big Island.

“Lino has been deeply engaged in protecting Hawai’i literally from mauka to makai,” said DLNR Chair Suzanne Case. “We are very fortunate to have him as a core leader of our DOCARE team.”