Hawaiʻi Conservation Kuleana

Kahu Tom Lenchanko - Kūkaniloko

At the heart of central Oʻahu lies Kūkaniloko, the site of the birthstones where the highest ranking children in the Nation of Hawaiʻi were born and raised to be leaders. It is a place of profound cultural significance and deep ancestral connection. In this special field-recorded episode, we step away from the usual agency perspective and into conversation with cultural practitioner Kahu Tom Lenchanko, whose relationship to this wahi pana offers insight beyond policy or management. Recorded on-site, this episode explores the living history of Kūkaniloko, the responsibility of stewardship, and the ongoing efforts of lineal descendants and cultural practitioners who continue to care for the area. Kahu Lenchanko shares why many believe the land should ultimately be returned to its descendants, and why mālama ʻāina is about far more than maintenance — it is about genealogy, identity, and continuity. This is not a studio conversation. You’ll hear the wind, the birds, and the feeling of a place that continues to hold meaning for generations of Hawaiʻi’s people. Kūkaniloko is closed to the public. To arrange an escorted visit, contact the Hawaiian Civic Club of Wahiawā: hccwahiawa@gmail.com

Hunting in Hawaiʻi

What does hunting really mean in Hawaiʻi—and why does it matter more than many people realize? In this episode, we head mauka to explore a side of conservation that’s often misunderstood. From early mornings in rugged terrain to the deep cultural roots of subsistence living, hunting is more than a pastime; it’s food security, ecosystem management and a way of life. Join DLNR Game Management expert Nick Vargas and lifelong Lānaʻi hunter Stan Ruidas to unpack the realities behind the practice: how hunting helps control invasive species, feeds local families and connects generations through shared knowledge and experience. Whether you’ve never set foot on a trail or you’ve seen hunters disappear into the backcountry and wondered what drives them, this conversation offers a look at the people, purpose, and kuleana behind hunting in Hawaiʻi.

Inoa iʻa - Hawaiian sea life names

What’s in a fish name? In this episode, staff from the Division of Aquatic Resources Hawaiian culture team talk about the importance of using the proper Hawaiian names for fish and other marine life found in Hawaiʻi’s waters. They explore how these names reflect cultural knowledge, history, and relationships with the ocean and land. And why bringing them back into everyday use helps build pilina and keep ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi alive. How did the humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa get it's name? Download this episode to find out!

Year of Our Coastal Kuleana

Season 2 begins. A shared kuleana continues. We’re kicking off Season Two of Hawaiʻi Conservation Kuleana with a powerful, cross-division conversation on 2026: The Year of Our Coastal Kuleana. DLNR leaders from Forestry & Wildlife, Aquatic Resources, State Parks, and Boating & Ocean Recreation come together to talk story about what kuleana means and how every person who lives, works, or visits Hawaiʻi plays a role in caring for our coasts. From beach cleanups and wetland restoration to education, culture, and community partnerships, this episode explores how conservation is strongest when we work as one hui. Listen now and learn how you can be part of Hawaiʻi’s coastal future. Find out more: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/coasts [https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/coasts]

Episode 11 - Bureau of Conveyances

In this episode we go behind the scenes of the Bureau of Conveyances with Administrator Mike Imanaka. From recording every real estate transaction in Hawaiʻi to preserving land records dating back to 1859, Mike shares how kuleana, public service, and aloha keep Hawaiʻi’s land history — and future — on track. A must-listen for homeowners, history buffs, and anyone curious about how land, law, and legacy intersect.