Explore the stories behind Hawai‘i’s natural, cultural, and historic treasures with the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources. Join us for in-depth interviews with the people who dedicate their lives to preserving our ʻāina and get a look behind the scenes at the Hawaii DLNR.
At the heart of central Oʻahu lies Kūkaniloko, the site of the birthstones where the highest ranking children in the Nation of Hawaiʻi were born and raised to be leaders. It is a place of profound cultural significance and deep ancestral connection. In this special field-recorded episode, we step away from the usual agency perspective and into conversation with cultural practitioner Kahu Tom Lenchanko, whose relationship to this wahi pana offers insight beyond policy or management. Recorded o...
21 Apr 2026
Hunting in Hawaiʻi
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: ...
11 Mar 2026
Inoa iʻa - Hawaiian sea life names
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 epi...
12 Jan 2026
Year of Our Coastal Kuleana
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 t...
29 Dec 2025
Episode 11 - Bureau of Conveyances
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.
28 Oct 2025
Episode 10 - Office of Consevation and Coastal Lands (OCCL)
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 p...
10 Sept 2025
Episode 9 - Land Division
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 K...
11 Aug 2025
Episode 8 - Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW)
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 th...
7 Jul 2025
Episode 7 - DLNRʻs Communications office
DLNR's Communications office discusses their role in conservation efforts in Hawai'i, offering insights into public engagement strategies; this is not an interview.
9 Jun 2025
Episode 6 - Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR)
Luna Kekoa and Brian Neilson from the Division of Aquatic Resources discuss how their personal values drive them to protect Hawai'i's nearshore waters by adapting generational knowledge and building trust within local communities in this interview.
13 May 2025
Episode 5 - State Division of Historic Preservation (SHPD)
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.
14 Apr 2025
Episode 4 - Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE)
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 ille...
10 Mar 2025
Episode 3 - Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
Join us to hear about all things boating, with Meghan Statts and Todd Tashima from the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.
11 Feb 2025
Episode 2 - Division of State Parks
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.
13 Jan 2025
Episode 1 - Dawn Chang and Ryan Kanakaʻole
Hawaiʻi Conservation Kuleana hosts Dawn Chang and Ryan Kanakaʻole explore their leadership roles at DLNR and share insights on the experiences that have shaped their commitment to community stewardship.
6 Jan 2025
Episode 0 - Trailer
Hawaiʻi Conservation Kuleana host, Department of Land and Natural Resources, explores the intricate balance of conservation and community in Hawaiʻi, revealing innovative strategies for preserving land, waters, and heritage.
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