Curt Cottrell, a 25-year employee of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, has been chosen as the next administrator for the DLNR Division of State Parks.
He replaces Dan Quinn, who recently retired.
“Curt’s selection to lead State Parks capitalizes on a long list of accomplishments and experience, as he has worked in a variety of capacities since joining DLNR in 1991. He has developed a deep understanding of policy, regulation, and community engagement through the years. I’m delighted Curt will build on the leadership created by his mentor, former State Parks Administrator Dan Quinn,” DLNR Chairwoman Suzanne Case said in a prepared statement Thursday.
Cottrell started as the Oahu trails and access specialist in the Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program. In 1995, he was promoted to become the statewide Na Ala Hele trails and access program manager in DOFAW’s Outdoor Recreation Section. In 2009, he took on the job of assistant administrator for the Division of State Parks. In that role he launched a series of initiatives to increase Division of State Parks revenue from a variety of new and existing sources, such as the new interpretive and merchandising kiosk at Diamond Head State Monument. Cottrell was also involved in policy and legal matters aimed at protecting and preserving park resources around Hawaii. In 2010 Cottrell was recognized as the DLNR Departmental Manager of the Year.
Cottrell first came to Hawaii in 1983 immediately after college, to backpack in Hawaii’s national and state parks. He then settled on Maui, where he worked as a private estate caretaker, export nursery foreman, construction worker and cross country coach for Hana High School. Before joining DLNR he worked at the Hawaii State Legislature as the clerk for the Committee on Planning, Energy and Environmental Protection.
Cottrell has a bachelor’s degree in geography with a minor in planning from California State University at Chico.