Hawaiʻi Conservation Kuleana

Hawaii DLNR
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 

  1. JAN 12

    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 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

    40 min

  2. 12/29/2025

    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.

    16 min

  3. 10/28/2025

    Episode 10 - Office of Conservation 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 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.

    23 min

  4. 09/10/2025

    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 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.

    20 min

  5. 08/11/2025

    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 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.

    32 min

  6. 07/07/2025

    Episode 7 - DLNRʻs Communications office

    Hawaiʻi Conservation Kuleana

    18 min

  7. 06/09/2025

    Episode 6 - Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR)

    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.

    30 min

  8. 05/13/2025

    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.

    31 min
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About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Hawaii DLNR
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hawaiʻi Conservation Kuleana
  • Show Website
    Hawaiʻi Conservation Kuleana