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: how hunting helps control invasive species, feeds local families and connects generations through shared knowledge and experience.Whether you’ve never set foot on a trail or you’ve seen hunters disappear into the backcountry and wondered what drives them, this conversation offers a look at the people, purpose, and kuleana behind hunting in Hawaiʻi.

What’s in a fish name? In this episode, staff from the Division of Aquatic Resources Hawaiian culture team talk about the importance of using the proper Hawaiian names for fish and other marine life found in Hawaiʻi’s waters. They explore how these names reflect cultural knowledge, history, and relationships with the ocean and land. And why bringing them back into everyday use helps build pilina and keep ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi alive. How did the humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa get it's name? Download this episode to find out!

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 to education, culture, and community partnerships, this episode explores how conservation is strongest when we work as one hui.Listen now and learn how you can be part of Hawaiʻi’s coastal future.Find out more: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/coasts 

In this episode we go behind the scenes of the Bureau of Conveyances with Administrator Mike Imanaka. From recording every real estate transaction in Hawaiʻi to preserving land records dating back to 1859, Mike shares how kuleana, public service, and aloha keep Hawaiʻi’s land history — and future — on track. A must-listen for homeowners, history buffs, and anyone curious about how land, law, and legacy intersect. 

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.

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 engagement, listeners gain unparalleled insight into the kuleana (responsibility) of safeguarding Hawaiʻi for current and future generations.Join us as we bridge policy and practice and celebrate the people dedicated to protecting the islands we call home. Whether you live here, love to visit, or simply love nature, Hawaiʻi Conservation Kuleana offers inspiration, education, and a call to action for all.He wa'a he moku, he moku he wa'a. “The canoe is an island, and the island is a canoe.” Subscribe to learn more about the Hawaii DLNR today!