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I once tried to report two men who were obviously doing commercial collection at Waiopae (Kapoho) tide pools, a protected area. The woman who answered the phone at DLNR said it was indeed prohibited in that area, but they had no one available to send for enforcement. I gave her the license number of the truck (with tanks on the back) and asked to be notified of any action taken. She actually seemed to know who these guys were, but I never got a call back. Very sad.
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JC: "DLNR said it was indeed prohibited in that area, but they had no one available to send for enforcement."
I'm consternated here. If illegal, couldn't she have called police to go out while the truck was still at Wai'Opae and catch 'em in the act? Maybe even you call? As w. Rob, I have noticed ever-diminishing fish populations since first coming here in late '50s, sad...
-dwajs
-dwajs
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David, I think there are jurisdictional issues, however nonsensical that may sound. Perhaps someone with more knowledge of the law could answer better, but I'm guessing that the police would have said, "Call DLNR."
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DLNR is a relatively useless organization. Inefficient, overstaffed, overpaid and arrogant. Over the years I have had occasion to contact them on some issues. Never ever received a response in writing or by phone to anything. What ever their budget is it should certainly be cut seriously before school days are curtailed.
Just my humble opinion of course.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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As I recall, there was a thread here a while back in which a resolution banning collecting aquarium fish in Hawai'i was discussed. Some folks wanted to keep it legal and their line of logic made very little sense to me. I think it went something like: if we outlaw it in Hawai'i, where there is at least some sort of regulation, we'll somehow increase worse methods of collection in other tropical places which have no regulation at all?. Apparently it was voted down or abandoned or whatever, but in light of this awful thing, I think the State should take another look at that one.
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This is such sad news. Those beautiful fishes bring such joy to watch...senseless stuff. I just will never understand some things.[  ]
Carrie
"The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost, for none now live who remember it." Galadriel - LOTR
Carrie Rojo
"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future..." Galadriel LOTR
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quote:
Originally posted by Rob Tucker
DLNR is a relatively useless organization. Inefficient, overstaffed, overpaid and arrogant. Over the years I have had occasion to contact them on some issues. Never ever received a response in writing or by phone to anything. What ever their budget is it should certainly be cut seriously before school days are curtailed.
Just my humble opinion of course.
Aloha Rob,
I felt compelled to respond to your post, in spite of the fact that I will probably get flamed here, LOL.
I am one of the DLNR Enforcement officers in the "useless organization". I am curious as to whom and how you contacted, and what was the nature of your issues. I do know that DLNR like all state (and other govt. agencies) agencies is certainly inefficient. Overstaffed? Not our division. We currently have less than 20 officers in the field to serve the entire island and the surrounding waters out to 12 miles (200 if you count the federal jurisdictions that we deal with) 24/7. Overpaid? Sadly, this is not the case either. We have to possess all of the knowledge that the typical HPD officer has, and having to patrol just like they do (with the addition of waterborne patrols and lengthy off-road patrols into the most remote areas of the island), we also have to have knowledge of various state and federal laws and rules that HPD never has or will deal with. We are statistically more likely to encounter armed violators and are often alone in areas where backup is next to impossible. We also investigate all of our own cases, as we have no detectives to pass anything along to. Despite all that, we are paid significantly less than the county police officers. Our ability to respond has also been affected by the fact that we are furloughed like all the other state workers. Arrogant? You know there is some truth to this. Have you ever seen any bunch of people that did not include some arrogant ones? Dealt with any HPD officers that were a bit arrogant? I have.
Our budgets have been cut along with everyone else's. In fact, since I have been with DLNR, it seems every year there are cuts.
Each and every complaint that comes to me that has a call back number gets one. I can't speak for the other divisions of DLNR, but if you call the Enforcement division, you will get a response, if you leave contact information.
Should you have a future issue with DLNR in east Hawaii that needs enforcement you can contact me at 960-8977.
Sorry for the long post, Andy
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A DLNR staff member was just in Kapoho last Thur night at about 3 AM to do some surveying for a lot owner because that was the only high tide that would qualify until June/July.
3 AM goes way beyond the call of duty!
-Cat
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I made several attempts to contact DLNR by phone and email a couple years back regarding the public access, over state lands, to the Kapoho ponds. I was trying to find out what DNLR's intentions might be and to see what opportunities for public input might exist. No reply.
I was never able to secure a respond from anyone and I gave up.... which I assumed to be what DLNR preferred. My general tactic in life is to assume the best and ask questions. With DLNR I am now in an assume the worst position.
To date I have not become aware of any effort which DLNR has done well or with any degree of efficiency. I would prefer to be impressed and would welcome a change in my opinion but I will not be holding my breathe.
Personally I would be in favor of disbanding DLNR in total and moving the responsibilities to the counties where there might be a slim hope of local accountability.
As far as over staff and over paid I think I should explain that, without further detail, I am assuming that there are offices with desks in DLNR's Honolulu office which likely inhibit the field personnel in their work more than it helps. Our state is overladen with redundant management if you can call it management. They are very good at managing to get nothing done.
The whole Kapoho access situation has been aggravated by DLNR's failure to engage much less acknowledge the situation. Budgets were not resitricted when this came up. People were upset about things. All attempts to work with DLNR, who I have reason to understand has responsibilites regarding land and natural resources, were and remain futile.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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I agree with several of your points, as I too have had difficulties with the "desk people". I posted some stuff here a couple of years ago regarding the Kapoho access issues, and was censured by my bosses for voicing my opinion and offering advice. As for budget restrictions, These have existed ever since I have been with DLNR, about 14 years now. As for the solution, I would recommend elimination of the politically appointed board of land and natural resources, and allowing each of the divisions become its own department.
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