Wahiawā Substation

The Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement (DOCARE) is the law enforcement arm of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), responsible for enforcing State laws and rules across State lands, parks, forest reserves, coastal zones, conservation districts, and county parks.

In 2025, DLNR contracted UHCDC to explore the feasibility of a permanent substation in Central Oʻahu to address long-standing operational challenges faced by District 2 officers, who currently operate from a temporary facility outside their patrol area. A permanent substation in Wahiawā would provide a more central base of operations for Central Oʻahu and the North Shore, improving response times, logistical efficiency, and daily workflows.

The proof of concept presented multiple design options and a preferred scheme accommodating patrol vehicles, boats, ATVs, and administrative functions, demonstrating how a purpose-built Wahiawā substation can strengthen DOCARE’s enforcement capacity while integrating into its community and environmental context.

Client: Department of Land and Natural Resources - Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement
Principal Investigators: Emily Gilmar AIA LEED AP BD+C, Kimi Makaiau
Project Staff: Hannah Valencia
Student Project Assistant: Xueting Chen, Rebecca Hiller, Jayden Uowolo