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 process to restore traditional Hawaiian fishponds, join us as we explore:
 🏝️ Why “all beaches are public” isn’t quite as simple as it sounds
 🌊 The reality of sea level rise and shoreline retreat
 🌾 How communities are restoring fishponds and sand dunes — and what’s actually working
 ⚖️ What happens when conservation, law, and local life collide

🎧 Listen now and discover the people and policies shaping the future of Hawaii’s shorelines.

In this episode we talk with Ian Hirokawa, Acting Administrator of the Land Division, about the critical but often overlooked role in managing Hawaiʻi’s unencumbered lands. Land Division was most recently in the news as the presenter of the Army Final Environmental Impact Statements to renew their land leases with the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Ian shares insight into the role the Division plays in processing such land use requests.

He also delves into major projects like the East Kapolei transit-oriented development and discusses how the Land Division helps generate revenue to support conservation efforts. Tune in for an inside look at the challenges and rewards of balancing public trust, law, and land use in Hawaiʻi.

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 the islands. DOFAW Administrator David Smith and Oʻahu Branch Manager Marigold Zoll take us behind the scenes into the day-to-day challenges and triumphs of their work.

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 responsibility. 

In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, we talk story with SHPD’s Jessica Puff and Susan Lebo about protecting Hawaiʻi’s cultural treasures—from Lahaina’s historic structures to iwi kūpuna. Discover why preservation matters, how you can get involved, and what makes Hawaiʻi’s heritage so unique. As our theme music by Kawika Kahiapo says: Preserve what we have. It’s our future.

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 illegal fishing practices like lay nets and hunting violations, and hear firsthand how DOCARE officers enforce both state and federal conservation laws to protect Hawaii’s unique environment.

With his deep understanding of the balance between cultural practices and modern conservation laws, Redulla discusses the importance of respecting wildlife and educating the public on how to be good stewards of the land and sea. Join us for this insightful conversation about the kuleana we all share in protecting Hawaii’s precious natural heritage.

In this episode of Hawaii Conservation Kuleana, we sit down with Meghan Statts, the Administrator, and Todd Tashima, the Assistant Administrator, of the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR). 

Join us for an engaging conversation about the challenges and opportunities DOBOR faces, including staffing shortages, emerging water sports, and the ongoing effort to maintain and improve Hawaii's harbor facilities. Learn about the work being done behind the scenes to ensure a sustainable future for ocean recreation in Hawaiʻi.

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.

Our first episode of Hawaiʻi Conservation Kuleana features the top leadership of the Hawaii DLNR, Chair Dawn Chang and First Deputy Ryan Kanakaʻole. Hear about their roles at DLNR, the experiences that have shaped them throughout their careers and what inspires them to be leaders in the community.