Column: Green fee must be conservation catalyst

Kevin Chang

By Kevin Chang for Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Is care of ‘aina a major priority of Hawaii and its people?

To determine this, we could look at our Legislature’s budgets for malama ‘aina efforts. Historically, our government has barely ever designated over 1% of the state budget of $20.5 billion toward conservation. Our Legislature does not prioritize aloha ‘aina. Like it or not, this pattern is our current political landscape and inheritance.

But look at when the state’s Division of Conservation and Enforcement (DOCARE), under the Department of Land and Natural Resources, opened its inaugural officer academy application portal. It was inundated with applications within hours. A few classes have successfully graduated and expanded the capacity and effectiveness of DOCARE to protect our ‘aina.

Click here to read the full story from the Dec. 17 issue of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser