January 17, 2009 Laura Thielen, who chairs the Board of Land and Natural Resources, is taking an overall plan to the Legislature for the future of the department charged with protecting the state’s natural environment while managing state parks, forests, natural area reserves, small-boat harbors and ramps, beaches and the ocean out to three miles. It also enforces fishing and hunting regulations. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources comes in contact with outdoor-loving residents and visitors more than any other state agency. Thielen calls the plan “DLNR Recreation Renaissance.” In her presentation to the Legislature, Thielen wants to finance overdue improvements to state parks with user fees — but just for visitors and only after improvements are made. One state facility on Maui comes as a surprise. Under “Park and Trail Improvements,” the plan lists “Wahikuli Off Highway Vehicle Trail.” If the trail is what the name implies, it would be the first public place where dirt bikes, dirt buggies, four-wheel drive cars and trucks can legally be used to kick up some dust. The state has had an off-road park on Oahu for decades. The plan going to the Legislature doesn’t mention the Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement, the DLNR’s undermanned police force. However, Thielen says her long-term goal is to allow DOCARE to concentrate on protecting nature, including fish and coral, rather than providing security for state parks and small-boat harbors. Her approach is to contract with private firms to handle security for the likes of Makena State Park and Lahaina Small-Boat Harbor. The plan signals a continuation of a turnaround for the department once known largely for granting leases to state lands. Thielen acknowledges administration problems, saying “DLNR is inefficiently organized.” That’s an understatement and underscores a history of lawmakers using the department as a kind of dumping ground for any concern even remotely connected with environment. Under Thielen, the DLNR appears to be taking protection and enjoyment of the environment more seriously. It remains to be seen if legislators can recognized one simple fact: In Hawaii, the environment is the economy. * Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.