THE CARROLL COX SHOW

Aloha DOCARE,

Yesterday morning Mark Young has informed me that he is leaving Hawaii. Some unexpected personal matters have arisen that factored into his decision.

The four Branch Managers, Patti and I conferred yesterday. We will be meeting as a group this week and next to develop a transition plan for DOCARE, and will provide you with further information once that is completed.

The Personnel Office will be preparing paperwork to seek approval to recruit and hire a new Chief. The recruitment of the new Chief will be handled by the incoming Administration. However, we want them to be able to hit the ground running. We'll get the paperwork started so they can begin recruitment immediately upon taking office. I will notify them of the status in the transition materials I'm providing for the new Chair and Chief of Staff.

I've spoken with Castle Foundation, UH School of Law Environmental Center and The Nature Conservancy, who have been working with Mark and I on some grants and other support for DOCARE. While all three are disappointed at this change of events, they all reiterated their commitment to support DOCARE. They said that enforcement and DOCARE are essential for Hawaii's resources, that the Division is more than any one person, and they will continue their support throughout the transition and beyond.

Mark is preparing an exit list which provides the current status of all the administrative activities and contact information. He will be leaving the office by the end of this week.

I will get you more information next week after the Branch Managers, Patti and I have finished our transition plan.

Laura H. Thielen
Chairperson
Department of Land and Natural Resources
(808) 587-0401
laura.thielen@hawaii.gov