Maui Conservation Officer Recognized by International Organization

A 22-year veteran of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement was recognized today as “Hawai‘i Wildlife Officer of the Year” by Shikar-Safari Club International Foundation.

The club and its foundation support educational projects nationwide and in Canada related to wildlife management, hunting and shooting sports.

During a presentation before the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Randy DeCambra, a Maui-based DOCARE Officer, was awarded a framed certificate and plaque.

Shikar-Safari Club recognizes conservation officers in all 50 states annually and the recognition includes a $20,000 life insurance policy in the event an officer is killed in the line of duty.

Maui DOCARE Branch Chief Howard Rodrigues said, “Officer DeCambra embodies the best qualities of a conservation officer. He’s been responsible for bringing multiple, high-profile resource violation cases to fruition, and his passion and dedication are unequalled.”

DeCambra accepted the award saying, “This is really a team award.  At Maui DOCARE we all work toward the common goal of protecting Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural resources, which includes constant education for visitors and local residents to proactively behave and act in ways that prevent damage or destruction to our unique resources.”

According to Gunnar Klarr, the club was founded in 1952 by a group of outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and sportsmen and women. Its foundation was established in the early 1970’s for the sole purpose of raising money for conservation projects, endangered species protection, wildlife disease research, outdoor skills training, anti-poaching efforts and to provide support for state conservation agencies like DLNR-DOCARE.

Klarr said award recipient’s peers chose who in each state conservation enforcement agency should receive the annual recognition.

Maui DOCARE officer, Randy DeCambra, accepts the award. PC: Hawaiʻi DLNR.

Maui DOCARE officer, Randy DeCambra, accepts the award. PC: Hawaiʻi DLNR.

Maui DOCARE officer, Randy DeCambra, accepts the award. PC: Hawaiʻi DLNR.

Maui DOCARE officer, Randy DeCambra (left), accepts the award. PC: Hawaiʻi DLNR.

Maui DOCARE officer, Randy DeCambra, accepts the award. PC: Hawaiʻi DLNR.

Maui DOCARE officer, Randy DeCambra (left), accepts the award. PC: Hawaiʻi DLNR.