Conservation officer John Kahiapo was surprised when a typical Saturday at a keiki fishing tournament turned into a celebration for him and his 30 years as an officer for the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Last month, the Hawaii County Community Policing Department hosted a keiki fishing tournament to give out school supplies and prizes to participating students.
During the tournament, leadership with the DLNR awarded Kahiapo with the DLNR & YOU Citizen Conservationist award for his volunteer work with the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, or DOCARE.
After serving in the United States Coast Guard as an engine mechanic from 1974 to 1979, Kahiapo attended school at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and graduated with a degree in biology in 1989.
While pursuing academic studies, Kahiapo continued to serve in active reserves while working as a small boat harbor agent for East Hawaii.
There, he met his future boss, Robert Nishimoto, who encouraged him to apply for temporary positions within the DLNR. Some jobs included collecting fishery data and monitoring coral reefs within state marine protected areas.
Kahiapo then joined DOCARE in 1992 and continues to participate as a reserve officer and outreach specialist.
Currently, Kahiapo is also a biologist and community liaison for DLNR, Division of Aquatics Resources. As a community liaison, he is able to connect with local community members and organizations that work towards resource management.
“It’s a privilege to serve the community and teach them about conservation,” Kahiapo said. “For me, I keep doing this, because I’m able to. It’s not that I have to, but I get to. I get to serve my community and I get to work with DLNR and Aquatics.”
Kahiapo was not expecting to receive any awards and was just excited to support Hawaii County Community Policing and be part of the fishing tournament.
“Outdoor events like this are so special, because we get to work with other agencies and meet different communities,” Kahiapo said. “To receive any honor, wow… I’m at a loss for words. It feels great. I’m lucky to work with a great group of officers from DLNR.”
While he could easily retire, Kahiapo plans to continue his work with DLNR and DOCARE until he physically can’t work anymore.
“Many people tell me I could be retired, taking it easy, or traveling, but this is what gives me joy,” Kahiapo said. “I’m lucky to have a good, strong family at home base supporting me along the way.”^
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune- herald.com
