I do not understand the Star-Advertiser’s caution about using money from the proposed green fee to fund new positions in the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (“Green fee needed, but beware pitfalls,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, March 5). How else is DLNR supposed to do the work that the green fee is intended to support?

The various divisions of DLNR cover forestry, wildlife, aquatic and marine resources, parks, and cultural resources. They are chronically understaffed as it is. The only argument against creating more positions is the difficulty the state and county face in filling and retaining good people. But that is a government-wide issue.

Let’s not undermine the potential of a green fee by assuming DLNR has ulterior motives to pad its position count. We face unprecedented challenges to manage our unique and essential natural and cultural resources in the face of climate disruption, growing tourism, and other stresses. Let’s help DLNR however we can.

Travis Idol

Downtown Honolulu

>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter