Molokai Appreciation Letter

To the Molokai Community, 

On behalf of the entire Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, I want to express our extreme appreciation and deep gratitude to the many people who responded to clean Papohaku beach after a boat recently broke apart in near-shore waters in west Molokai. 

Just one week before, we met with dozens of you to listen to your thoughts and concerns for the protection of your island’s natural and cultural resources. The concept of community was so evident during this listening session. You heard from and interacted with DLNR division staff representatives, who live and work on Molokai and whom many of you know personally. These same individuals were among the many Molokai community members who contributed to ensuring the vessel debris was removed and did not go back into the ocean. 

I don’t have the names of everyone who helped. The collective action of the community and our on-island Molokai staff is a demonstration of kuleana to malama i ke kai and aloha this place you rely upon for subsistence. Please know that your selflessness is so valued and is an outstanding example of a community of people who step up and step in to protect our precious natural resources. 

Mahalo plenty, 

Dawn Chang 

Chairperson 

Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources