Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife

What Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife does

Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is a state government division within the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), constitutionally and statutorily mandated to manage state-owned forests, natural areas, public hunting areas, plant and wildlife sanctuaries, and wildlife across the Hawaiian Islands. Its jurisdiction spans nearly 1.3 million acres of state lands, 750 miles of coastline (the fourth longest in the U.S.), and over 1,000 miles of tidal coastline, with operational presence on all five major Hawaiian Islands plus the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands including Kure Atoll (Hōlanikū), 1,400 miles northwest of Honolulu. DOFAW's core program portfolio includes watershed protection, native species and endangered species management (Hawaiian monk seals, nalo meli maoli yellow-faced bees, ʻōpeʻapeʻa Hawaiian hoary bat, nēnē, ʻalae ʻula, and various seabirds), commercial forestry, public hunting and recreation access, wildfire detection and suppression, and environmental education.

DOFAW's service delivery combines direct government channels (main office in Honolulu's Kalanimoku Building plus neighbor island offices in Kauai, Maui, Hilo, and Kona; dedicated hotlines for hunting, fishing, hiking, and enforcement) with self-serve online portals (ehawaii.gov for licenses; camping.ehawaii.gov; gostateparks.hawaii.gov) and partner-mediated conservation through an extensive network of 30+ named nonprofit, academic, and government collaborators including the U.S. Forest Service, Hawaii National Guard, Kure Atoll Conservancy, Bishop Museum, Hawaii Audubon Society, Kupu, Pacific Rim Conservation, and the University of Hawaii Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. Technology investments include a 15-engine statewide wildland firefighting fleet (newly expanded), helicopter water-dipping infrastructure, novel SPLAT® Verb beetle-repellent treatments for Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death in partnership with USFS, and Kuula-powered 360° virtual field trips for educational outreach aligned to NGSS, Nā Hopena A'o, and ʻĀina Aloha standards. DOFAW's revenue model is primarily state budget appropriations supplemented by transaction-based permit fees (hunting, wildlife, plant, forest reserve, natural area reserve), license fees, and donations routed through the explore.ehawaii.gov portal, with periodic federal grants including a $4.976M USDA award in October 2024.

Name

Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife

Legal name

Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaii

Website

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is a state government division managing 1.3 million acres of forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and public hunting areas across the Hawaiian Islands, serving residents, visitors, hunters, educators, and conservation partners through regulatory, conservation, wildfire response, and education programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

State Forest and Wildlife Conservation Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Forestry (1153), Support Activities for Forestry (115310), Support Activities for Forestry (11531)

SIC

Forestry (800), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Forestry & Public Lands Administration (State/National Forests) (BPAIAMAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife, Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation Administration (BPAIAMAG), Integrated Forest Health & Fire Management Planning (AFAMAEAK), Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB), Wildfire Risk Assessment, Prevention & Suppression Services (IMAMAJAG)

Keywords

• Wildlife management services
• Forest conservation programs
• Public hunting permits
• Native species protection
• Wildfire suppression services

Headquarters

HQ city

Honolulu

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. State government budget allocation: As a state government division, DOFAW is primarily funded through state budget appropriations. DLNR's FY 2006-2007 operating budget amounted to around $92 million and capital improvement project budget over $60 million.
2. Hunting permits and licenses: DOFAW issues hunting permits and manages public hunting areas across Hawaii. Hunting license phone line: (808) 587-0166.
3. Permits and reservations fees: Online permitting system issues Forest Reserve System permits, Natural Area Reserve permits, Plant Permits, Wildlife Permits, and camping reservations via camping.ehawaii.gov.
4. Donations: DLNR operates a donation portal (explore.ehawaii.gov) supporting natural and cultural resources management. Specialized donation portals include Natural Area Reserves (DOFAW), Aloha i ke Kai (DAR), and Kauaʻi Endangered Seabird Recovery Project.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) manages Hawaii's State-owned forests, natural areas, public hunting areas, and plant and wildlife sanctuaries across the state. It issues hunting, wildlife, plant, forest reserve, and natural area reserve permits and licenses; operates a statewide wildfire detection and suppression program (including a 15-engine wildland fire fleet and National Guard coordination); protects endangered native species through programs such as the Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death response (with SPLAT® Verb beetle-repellent treatments); and runs the Forestry & Wildlife Education Program, including 360° virtual field trips.

Product overview

The Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is one division within the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), offering a portfolio of conservation, regulatory, and education services rather than a single unified commercial product. Its core offering centers on managing State-owned forests, natural areas, public hunting areas, and plant and wildlife sanctuaries through programs such as the Forest Reserve System, the Natural Area Reserves System (NARS), the Game Management Advisory Commission, the Endangered Species Recovery Committee, and the Legacy Land Conservation Program (LLCP). It issues multiple permit and license products (Forest Reserve, Natural Area Reserve, Plant, Wildlife, and Hunting License) and runs the DOFAW Wildland Fire Program and the Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Response Program (which recently added SPLAT® Verb beetle-repellent treatments in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service). DOFAW also operates the Forestry & Wildlife Education Program, which includes the Kuula-powered Virtual Field Trips module (Kaʻena Point, Kawainui Marsh, Hāmākua Marsh, Pouhala Marsh, Kanahā Pond, Lehua Islet, and Hōlanikū/Kure Atoll) and collaborates with the Kauaʻi Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, and the Kure Atoll Conservancy. These offerings sit alongside other DLNR services such as the Communications Office Newsroom and the 2025 DLNR Annual Report, which cover DOFAW activities in addition to other divisions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Forest Reserve System Permits Permitting product for access and use of Hawaii's Forest Reserve System, administered by DOFAW under Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 13. Issued to forest users, researchers, and groups conducting permitted activities on State forest reserve lands.
• Natural Area Reserve (NAR) Permits Permitting product for activities within the Natural Area Reserves System managed by DOFAW, covering unique Hawaiian terrestrial and aquatic natural resources preserved in perpetuity under the NARS Commission.
• Plant Permit Permit issued by DOFAW governing plant-related activities subject to Hawaii forestry and wildlife administrative rules, including possession, transport, and introduction of regulated plant species.
• Wildlife Permit Permit issued by DOFAW for activities involving native and protected wildlife species in Hawaii, including possession, rehabilitation, research, and educational use.
• Hunting License State hunting license issued by DOFAW through ehawaii.gov, governing access to public hunting areas and game management activities across the Hawaiian Islands.
• Forestry & Wildlife Education Program Education offering from DOFAW providing online tools, posters, stickers, virtual field trips, native species profiles, conservation topic curricula, classroom activities, and printable teacher guides aligned to NGSS, Nā Hopena Aʻo, and ʻĀina Aloha standards.
• DOFAW Virtual Field Trips (Kuula 360°)

Quantifiable outcome

• Manages nearly 1.3 million acres of State lands, beaches, and coastal waters
• +7 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• United States Forest Service (USFS)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSFS partnered with DOFAW on Kauaʻi to deploy SPLAT® Verb beetle repellent treatment for slowing the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD). Foresters applied repellent to ʻōhiʻa trees killed by ROD fungal disease as well as healthy ʻōhiʻa in the Kōkeʻe State Park area, building on more than five years of collaborative work.
• Hawaii State Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity's Pesticide BranchcoreOthersRegistered SPLAT® Verb for use in Hawaii to protect ʻōhiʻa trees. Also approved for use against pests on coffee plants and macadamia nut trees when used according to label.
• Hawaii National GuardflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDOFAW coordinating with Hawaii National Guard to support wildfire suppression operations. The partnership enhances the state's ability to rapidly mobilize personnel, equipment, aviation resources, and logistical support during significant wildfire events.
• University of Hawaii (Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint operation of Kauaʻi Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP) and Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project (MNSRP). These projects focus on endangered seabirds including ʻaʻo (Newell's Shearwater), ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian Petrel), and ʻakēʻakē (Band-rumped Storm-Petrel), including research on breeding distribution, monitoring, predator management, and light pollution mitigation.
• Pacific Rim ConservationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner501(c)(3) partner in Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, working to help DLNR fulfill its constitutionally mandated responsibility for the protection and management of seabirds and their habitats in Maui Nui.
• Kure Atoll ConservancyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner working with DLNR Forestry and Wildlife's Oʻahu Branch to manage Hōlanikū (Kure Atoll), one of the world's most remote wildlife sanctuaries 1,400 miles northwest of Honolulu. Involves habitat restoration, invasive species management, marine pollution mitigation, and protection of ground-nesting seabirds, endangered Laysan Ducks, and Hawaiian Monk Seals.
• Bishop MuseumcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerKey partner in DLNR's 'Year of' campaigns bridging academic research, museum collections, and public education for Year of Our Coastal Kuleana 2026.
• Hawaii Audubon SocietycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEstablished locally in 1939, partners on seabird conservation and online shop featuring coastal birds. Co-developed 'Way of the Wedgie' curriculum with Hawaii Pacific University and Oikonos.
• Hawaii Wildlife CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState- and region-wide 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing medical and rehabilitative care to all species of native birds and ʻōpeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian hoary bat).
• Hui o KoʻolaupokocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner501(c)(3) non-profit watershed management group established in 2007 working to improve water quality through ecosystem restoration and storm water management. Manages Kaha Garden educational site and homeowner resources.
• Pacific Birds Habitat Joint VenturecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLaunching 2026 'Igniting Hope for the ʻAlae ʻUla' awareness campaign for Hawaiian gallinule (ʻalae ʻula) which has a population of around 700 birds. Partners on wetland conservation and eBird data collection.
• 808 CleanupscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMission-driven partner educating and empowering the community through decentralized cleanups and environmental stewardship. Hosts multiple volunteer cleanup events across Hawaiian islands.
• Hawaii Conservation Alliance (Conservation Connections)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOperates conservationconnections.org database for seeking jobs and service opportunities across Hawaii. DLNR refers candidates to this partner for conservation-related opportunities.
• KupucoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHawaii-based non-profit partner providing Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps opportunities including the Green Jobs Youth Corps for workforce development, training, and service.
• University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunds targeted, leading-edge research on coastal communities challenges. Developed Sea Level Rise Viewer, Voice of the Sea multimedia series, Ka Pili Kai Magazine, The Limu Eater cookbook, Symphony of the Seas learning resources, and SEA Curriculum for grades 3-5.
• Maui Nui Marine Resource CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffers Reef-Friendly Landscaping Certification Course to help homeowners maintain healthier plants and protect coral reefs from chemical runoff.
• Sustainable Coastlines HawaiiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegistered 501(c)(3) nonprofit partnering on coastal cleanup and education events.
• Malama MaunaluaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommitted to restoring the health of Maunalua Bay through habitat restoration, science and planning, and education and outreach.
• Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks to prevent, detect, and control the establishment and spread of invasive species threats to the Big Island environment, economy, and way of life.
• ʻĀina Hoʻōla InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHilo-based non-profit restoring the Lokowaka Pond complex. Partnered with Healthy Climate Communities for Hāmākua Marsh volunteer events.
• Hawaii Veterinary Medical AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCreated the Pono Cat Parent Pledge to encourage responsible pet ownership to protect Hawaii's wildlife from outdoor cat predation and toxoplasmosis.
• Hawaii Wildlife FundminorStrategic or Co-development Partner501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to conservation of Hawaii's wildlife. Provides environmental education opportunities including keiki education, anchialine pool restoration, and marine debris education.
• Manu ʻIwa o ka MalanaiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMission to restore Kailua's shallow water ecosystems of reefs, fish, and sea life using Hawaiian ancestral practices and modern science.
• Friends of Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife RefugeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDeveloped 4th grade curriculum about Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument with lesson plans, slide decks, and student worksheets aligned to NGSS and Hawaii Core Standards.
• Hawaiʻi Climate Change CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-leads the Year of Our Coastal Kuleana campaign alongside DLNR's divisions of Forestry & Wildlife, Aquatic Resources, State Parks, and Boating and Ocean Recreation.
• NOAA Pacific Islands Ocean Exploration CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in coastal education and outreach including visitor centers.
• City & County of HonoluluminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner in Year of Our Coastal Kuleana campaign.
• Ka Ipu MakaniminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in coastal community education and outreach.
• Livable Maunalua HuiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit managing Keawāwa wetland, providing habitat for coastal birds; formerly Livable Hawaiʻi Kai Hui.
• Love the SeaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit extracting plastic marine debris from coastal regions only accessible by water.
• Hawaii State Library SystemminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner for distributing educational content and program outreach.
• Nene.org (Nēnē Research and Conservation)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with government agencies and local groups to leverage community-sourced data for nēnē conservation, predator management, and policy-making.
• Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo (KUA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with UH Sea Grant for conceptualization, design, and reprinting of The Limu Eater cookbook.
• Hawaiʻi Tourism AuthorityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvided support for printing The Limu Eater cookbook reprint.
• Mauna Kea Stewardship Oversight Authority (MKSOA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState authority administratively connected to DLNR. Holds regular meetings on stewardship of Maunakea.
• Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner where DLNR First Deputy Ryan Kanakaʻole previously served as deputy AG. Connects DLNR's work on Hawaiian lands.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• National Wildlife Federation: National conservation nonprofit focused on wildlife conservation, education, and policy advocacy — adjacent peer with overlapping education and conservation programming themes relevant to DOFAW's mission.
• Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (University of Hawaii): University of Hawaii research unit that jointly operates the Kauaʻi Endangered Seabird Recovery Project and Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project with DOFAW — academic research partner with overlapping endangered species focus.
• The Nature Conservancy (Hawaii Chapter): Global conservation nonprofit with active Hawaii programs on watershed protection, invasive species management, and climate adaptation — operates as a partner rather than direct competitor, but with overlapping conservation scope.
• Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity: Hawaii state agency that registered SPLAT® Verb for use in Hawaii and partners with DOFAW on pest management for coffee, macadamia nuts, and native species — overlapping regulatory mandate in invasive species control.

Direct peers

• California Department of Fish and Wildlife: California's state fish and wildlife agency with comparable mandate to manage fish, wildlife, and habitat on state lands — issuing hunting licenses, managing public hunting areas, conducting species conservation, and operating wildfire response programs at much larger scale.
• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: Washington's state wildlife agency issues hunting and fishing licenses, manages wildlife areas, conducts species recovery, and engages in habitat restoration — directly comparable to DOFAW's functions in a similarly diverse ecological context.
• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: Oregon's state wildlife agency manages fish, wildlife, and habitat through direct service delivery, hunting license issuance, species recovery programs, and habitat conservation — structurally identical to DOFAW's role in Hawaii.

Broad incumbents

• National Park Service: Federal agency managing national parks including Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakalā — shares DOFAW's mandate for natural resource protection, public access, and educational programming in Hawaii's unique ecosystems.
• U.S. Forest Service: Federal agency managing national forests and grasslands, partnered with DOFAW on the SPLAT® Verb deployment for Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death — operates comparable forestry, wildfire response, and species conservation programs at federal scale.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Federal agency with overlapping mandate on endangered species protection, wildlife refuges, and habitat conservation across the U.S., including Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument adjacent to Hawaii — a key DOFAW federal partner.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/dlnr
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@HawaiiDAR
• Facebookdlnr.hawaii.gov/newsroom/social/dlnr-facebook
• Instagramdlnr.hawaii.gov/newsroom/instagram

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife