Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR31

Introduced
3/3/22  

Caption

Requesting State Law Enforcement Entities, Including The Department Of The Attorney General, Sheriff Division Of The Department Of Public Safety, And Harbors Division Of The Department Of Transportation, To Collaborate With The Division Of Conservation And Resources Enforcement Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Support Its Mission.

Impact

The resolution highlights the pressing challenges faced by DOCARE, notably its limited staffing—having only around one hundred officers to oversee vast areas of state-owned land and natural resources. With the lack of adequate enforcement presence, violations such as illegal gatherings and sewage dumping have occurred, underscoring the need for enhanced collaboration among law enforcement entities to bolster the state's efforts in resource protection. Improved coordination is aimed at addressing these enforcement shortcomings, ultimately benefitting both residents and visitors to Hawaii.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 31 (HCR31) requests collaboration among various state law enforcement entities, such as the Attorney General's office, the Sheriff Division of the Department of Public Safety, and the Harbors Division of the Department of Transportation. The intention is to support the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) within the Department of Land and Natural Resources, which is responsible for enforcing laws pertaining to state lands and natural resources across Hawaii. HCR31 emphasizes the importance of protecting Hawaii's unique cultural and natural resources, which are integral to the state's environment and tourism industry.

Contention

While there may be broad support for the overarching goals of HCR31—to enhance the state's ability to manage and protect its natural resources—there may be concerns regarding how this collaboration will be executed in practice. Issues could revolve around allocation of resources among the various agencies and how to implement effective strategies to ensure compliance with laws protecting Hawaii's environment. Any debates on potential overlaps in authority and the adequacy of funding for these initiatives could arise as the resolution progresses through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

HI HR27

Same As Requesting State Law Enforcement Entities, Including The Department Of The Attorney General, Sheriff Division Of The Department Of Public Safety, And Harbors Division Of The Department Of Transportation, To Collaborate With The Division Of Conservation And Resources Enforcement Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Support Its Mission.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR50

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Operations And Management Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation.

HI HR39

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Operations And Management Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation.

HI SB1258

Relating To The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI HB1394

Relating To The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI HCR181

Urging The Department Of Health, Department Of Transportation, And Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Take Action To Reduce The Carbon Emissions Arising From Airplane Transportation To And From The State.

HI HB1267

Relating To The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI SB1549

Relating To The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI SCR73

Requesting The Establishment Of A Stream Maintenance Working Group Within The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI SR61

Requesting The Establishment Of A Stream Maintenance Working Group Within The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI HCR214

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Collaborate With Federal, State, And County Governments; Landowners; And Stakeholders To Protect, Restore, And Manage The West Maui Wetlands And Wetlands Statewide.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.