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June 17, 2018, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Today Carroll talks about concerns regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and the use of DLNR resources on the base by a private company, iWaterman Pacific LLC. MOU M00319-09-B-16-01 was accepted on January 12, 2017, by Suzanne Case, Chairperson, DLNR. The MOU specifically allows the birthing of one DLNR patrol boat and two jet skis at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, along with one vehicle and trailer, to be used only for enforcement of DLNR laws, not training or other commercial activities including use of other jet skis and equipment. (Link here to MOU).
The specific language of the MOU raises a number of concerns about unpermitted activity that may be occurring on the base, including the impact on turtles and other marine life in and around Kaneohe Marine Base. Specifically, the MOU does not allow commercial activities on the base. However, we have learned iWaterman Pacific LLC, a private company that provides ocean rescue training, is providing free training to DOCARE officers on the base, in conflict with the MOU. Yes, training is necessary and good, but how and where it is being conducted is not good, conflicting with the MOU, and may be illegal. We also will be asking questions to determine if the relationship between iWaterman Pacific, LLC and DLNR violates any state ethics laws regarding gifts, specifically Gifts Law HRS Section 84-11.
Carroll notes, the iwaterman.com website included a video showing DOCARE officers wearing their official State uniforms, and showing rescue operations being performed on DOCARE jet skis. When informed about use of the video on the iWaterman website, DLNR Chairperson Suzanne Case said they are "not currently aware of any unauthorized use of DOCARE equipment associated with this company's activity". Apparently, DLNR asked iWaterman to remove the video from their website, which they did. (Link here to DLNR's statement regarding the video.) Suzanne Case then issued a press release regarding DOCARE jet ski training. (Link here to the press release.)
Carroll will also be raising questions regarding the behavior of Conservation Officer Patrick Chong Tim while performing his duties at Kaneohe Marine Base in what appears to be conflicts with the MOU, and whether Mr. Tim crossed the line and violates any state conservation or ethics laws, or any federal ethics laws. Mr. Tim is featured on the iwaterman.com website as an instructor, but his job as DOCARE officer is never mentioned. He was also not named as a DOCARE officer in the press release. Mr. Tim is also the only registered agent /member of iWaterman Pacific LLC listed on the company's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' (DCCA) business registration. (Link here to document.)
Link here to the HawaiiNewsNow story about iWaterman.
Carroll also addresses the bad behavior displayed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Division (DOCARE), Enforcement Chief Robert Farrell's use of personal attacks against Carroll Cox to discourage Cox from investigating and exposing these and other unethical and unlawful acts by DLNR.
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- It doesn't look good to this bird.
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