Have you checked out The Hot Seat? It's our opinion-page blog that brings in your elected leaders and people in the news and lets you ask the questions during a live online chat.

On The Hot Seat last week was Department of Land and Natural Resources Director Laura Thielen. Below is an excerpt from that Hot Seat session. To see the full conversation, go to The Hot Seat blog at www.honoluluadvertiser.com/opinion and click on "On the Hot Seat: DLNR Director Laura Thielen." (Names of questioners are screen names given during our online chat.

Kyle A.: After seeing the chaos and what happened to Peter Young, I think DLNR is disorganized and too big for its own good. Are there practical ways to assign some divisions to other state departments in a way that makes more sense? Why does the DLNR have the Bureau of Conveyances anyhow? And why can't all harbors go to the transportation department? What will you do to fix this?

Laura Thielen: I don't think DLNR is disorganized, but this department does have a lot of responsibilities, and we could look at more efficient ways of organizing. However, any large reorganization would require legislative approval. Keep in mind that some of the organizational choices were made by past legislatures, such as the decision to transfer small boat harbors from DOT to DLNR. I look forward to working with the administration and the Legislature to figure out the best ways to help the department focus on its core mission of protecting and preserving our natural and cultural resources.

Erik: I live on Kaua'i. The historic cabins in Kokee State Park provide overnight access to nature for many Kaua'i families. Do you support utilizing existing historic preservation law to negotiate directly with current cabin owners-lessees to retain this local connection? The alternative is an auction, as the Land Board has indicated is its preference. An auction, by its very nature, means "he with the most money wins." How do you propose to protect Kauaians' interests in this process?

Thielen: My brother and nephews live on Kaua'i, so that island has a special place in my heart. I believe DLNR has to be fair in allowing all Hawai'i residents to have an opportunity to experience this special place. However, we share the concerns that many local residents have expressed that these cabins will become vacation rentals. That is not their purpose. We're working on developing ways to make sure that these cabins will be used by residents for recreational purposes, and if there are ways to allot a certain number of cabins for Kaua'i residents. Any decision by the Land Board will be made on Kaua'i.

Karla C: I was wondering if the DLNR has any plans to boost enforcement or change any policies to protect our resources should the Hawaii Superferry be allowed to do business in our islands.

Thielen: Hi Karla, We are looking at ways to be more efficient in our enforcement, but it's not only due to Superferry. There are many examples where individuals have abused resources, and these actions are not related to one form of transportation or project. We are starting a strategic planning process in our Enforcement Division. We will be working with staff across the entire state and other stakeholders to focus on our core mission. Education, voluntary compliance and community support, such as the Makai Watch Program, will be essential to the state's ability to protect resources.

JohnK: Being new and just been handed a hot potato, what are your short-term and long-term goals for the department? Also what is your mission statement if you have one?

Thielen: The 30-person interview committee which selected the finalists for this position asked me for my three priorities. I listed State Historic Preservation; implementing Hawai'i's ocean resource management plan, wherein government adopts an ahupua'a or moku management of land and water resources; and, having government work proactively to implement positive policies, such as renewable energy.

Rootsrundeep: Your predecessor, Peter Young, was raked over the coals during his unsuccessful confirmation hearing for using DLNR personnel in the annual aerial Operation Green Harvest searches organized by the federal government. They have another name now, but the intent is still the same — to fly over remote areas using a variety of electronic technologies to pinpoint specific locations where marijuana is being grown. They said that Peter's lack of leadership wasted limited law enforcement resources which should have been used in areas directly under DLNR's control.

I note that that once again the department took part this year as it has for at least the past 15 years — well before Peter's tenure. Will this be an issue in your confirmation hearing in the upcoming legislative session? If so, how will you respond to the charges of misusing state resources? Or has the Senate changed its mind and is now supporting the inter-governmental partnership?

Thielen: I do not have any plans at this time to stop participating in this partnership. I've spoken with several people in the department, and they believe that much of the marijuana growing occurs on state land and has a detrimental effect on our forests and wildlife.

I am open to discussing this matter with legislators to learn more about their concern.

Steven Rose: I would like to know any changes or opinions you have regarding moorings on the Big Island, specifically on the Kona-Kohala coast. I know there has been a lot of controversy dealing with day use moorings, which have been utilized by a snorkel cruise company since they were first put in place in Kealakekua, and word is going around that the DLNR might take possession of them and auction them off to the highest bidder because they are in a marine reserve and of high value, effectively ruining the original snorkel cruise companies' profitability. Are these rumors justified and if so will there be future "sales" of personal mooring access in the islands?

Thielen: We have no intention of auctioning the mooring in Kealakekua Bay. That mooring did have to be moved after the earthquake due to safety reasons. We would like to add day-use moorings in appropriate places around the state, because moorings reduce the damage to reefs, as opposed to when people simply drop their anchors on coral.

Mark: How will DLNR under your watch take a more proactive approach to ensure that the judge-mandated comprehensive management plan for Mauna Kea summit is completed? How will DLNR ensure that vital historic and cultural resources are protected on the summit without a fully functioning staff on Hawai'i island? What is DLNR's role and responsibility to ensure that Ahu'ena Heiau is protected while the new owners of Kamehameha Hotel are trying to disenfranchise the Kahu who has legitimate standing to invoke her kuleana to malama this sacred site? When will the iwi kupuna from Wal-Mart finally be allowed to reburied? Will SHPD be a priority of your tenure?

Thielen: DLNR agrees that Mauna Kea is an extremely important cultural and environmental resource which must be treated with respect. I've met twice with the University of Hawai'i to discuss the requirements for the comprehensive management plan for Mauna Kea. The university is responsible for developing the plan. DLNR will review the plan to ensure it meets the requirements mandated by the court prior to issuing any conservation district use permit. We encourage the university to collaborate with a broad cross-section of the community prior to writing the plan, so that they develop a comprehensive management strategy with community support. I think my earlier answers addressed historic preservation.

Alan Hong: There was talk of increasing the staffing of DLNR's enforcement branch. Do you know how many new enforcement positions were created and funded? Also, does DLNR intend to reactivate the Volunteer Conservation Enforcement Officer program?

Thielen: Last session the governor submitted a request to create and fund 50 new enforcement division positions. The legislature approved 25 positions over the biennium. We currently have volunteer officers, and would like to expand partnerships.