DLNR marine patrol units expand statewide

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is expanding its marine patrol units across Hawaii.

The DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, or DOCARE, teams are now active on Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai, patrolling more than 700 miles of coastline.

Most of their work is centered on educating ocean-goers about the state’s marine laws, from prohibited areas to fishing catch limits.

“The ocean and the mountains, just the climate is what makes people want to come here,” DOCARE Officer Errol Kane said. ”In order for us to preserve it, we’re gonna have to have a good enforcement division.“

In addition to working with state officials, DOCARE officers are also deputized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to investigate and collect evidence for potential federal violations.