41 new Hawaiʻi State conservation and resources enforcement officers are sworn in

On Friday, the Hawaiʻi State Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement swore in its largest recruiting class — 41 new officers.

The ceremony was held at Leeward Community College. It marked the formal end of the recruitsʻ eight months of academy training in 100 disciplines, combining classroom work and intense field exercises.

The officers will deploy to four branches: Big island (14), O‘ahu (14), Maui (7) and Kaua‘i (6).

Their presence is expected to make an immediate impact in conservation enforcement and will bolster patrol needs and staff ranks.

“I’m greatly appreciative for the kuleana that these men and women have accepted,” said Dawn Chang, chair of the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Other speakers at the graduation included Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, and Lt. Oscar Diaz (Department of Public Safety, retired). The graduates’ family members pinned badges on the officers’ uniforms.

The officersʻ duties include enforcing rules and laws, educating residents and visitors, and interacting with the community. Officers cover large geographic areas, often working independently with little or no oversight. They’re expected to command a firm understanding of natural resource laws, and to 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 Jason Redulla, chief of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. “These officers have a broad skillset and the academy was the vehicle to get them equipped so they can best serve Hawai‘i in protecting its natural and cultural resources.”

The academy program is a community effort with stakeholders including Honolulu Community College, elected officials, the Department of Land and Natural Resources and other state department leadership, conservation nonprofits, subject matter experts, other partner organizations and residents. The program is unique in that it offers both a public safety and a natural resources component.

Recruits who have no law or conservation enforcement experience are developed into competent officers, learning skills to perform the job and keeping the values of kuleana, community service, and being pono, top of mind.

“To the visitor mindset, Hawai‘i’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 Lt. Carlton Helm, who led the academy. “Without the resources, little by little, we start to lose that identity. [The officers] are committed to our communities and to protecting our resources.”

Next for these newly commissioned officers is their field-training phase, working alongside seasoned officers at their respective island posts. They will have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned, with guidance, in real world situations. 

“Learning in a classroom is one thing,” Helm said. “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.”