DLNRTip App

Have you ever seen someone doing something illegal in the ocean, on the beach, or in the forest on weekends, holidays or afterhours? Maybe you tried to report the illegal activity and ended up listening to an answer machine message. Then, maybe, you realized there was no way the bad guys were going to get caught outside of normal business hours.

The police do not generally respond to resource management and enforcement calls. For state lands and conservation areas, this responsibility belongs to the Department of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE).

Two years ago, DOCARE launched a new reporting and dispatch system, available through a smart phone app called DLNRTip, through text messaging and through FaceBook. This integrated system allows anyone to promptly report suspicious activity through their smart phone.

DLNRTip allows a person to attach photos and video to the report, along with a brief description of what is happening and where it is happening. It is available for both Apple and Android platforms and the messages are delivered anonymously.

Anonymous tips can also be sent through text messaging at 847411 (TIP411). Include DLNROAHU, or the appropriate island name, in the message, and the description, pictures and video that you want to report.

Anonymous tips can also be delivered through Facebook at Hawaii DLNR.

So, the next time you see someone setting an illegal lay net, starting a bonfire on the beach, harassing wildlife, building shoreline revetments or any other activity that is probably prohibited, remember to use the DLNRTip app, text TIP411 or enter your tip through Hawaii DLNR on FaceBook.

On another note, I have been invited to participate in an exclusive government leadership training program this month in Lexington Kentucky. The Henry Toll Fellowship is a select group of 48 state officials from around the country serving as Representatives, Senators or in a state agency. It is my honor to represent Hawaii and be one of 12 Western United States fellows for 2019.

Our frustrations with Laniakea continue. Believe me when I say this issue is always front and center. As you have read so many times before, the only agency who can address this crisis is the Department of Transportation. Their feeble efforts to assign blame on everyone else should be recognized and understood as excuses rather than commitment to solve this mess.