February 16, 2019 – After observing the albatross and assisting with the Surfrider Foundation Beach clean-up at Kahuku Point, prosecutors and law enforcement officers met for the first Hawai’i Environmental Crimes Working Group meeting.
Comprised of federal and state prosecutors, Fish and Wildlife Special Agents, DOCARE Officers and fellow, and JAG Officers, the Working Group focuses on federal and state cooperation to better enforce and prosecute environmental crimes in Hawai’i. 

During the meeting, the Working Group identified current barriers to enforcement and how prosecutors and law enforcement officers can better work together. Current issues include lack of statutory provisions and case law on domesticated animals attacking wildlife. This is especially concerning at places like Kahuku Point that have nesting albatross. Another issue raised is the lack of specialization in environmental crimes at the Honolulu Prosecutors’ Office, which has no environmental crimes division and uses a horizontal model for cases, meaning the prosecutor who starts a case does not necessarily finish it. 

Prosecutors and law enforcement officers communicated how they can better meet each other’s needs. This included more detailed reports and better documentation of witnesses by enforcement officers. The Working Group also discussed the need for more enforcement officers and trainings.  

The day concluded by looking at next steps and establishing plans for future meetings.