Blog Archives: Blog

Talk Story with Suparna Vashisht

in Blog, MNMRC Community /by Sara Sugidono

Suparna Vashisht has spent over a decade driving social change in sustainability, conservation, and gender equality working in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. She has been a diver for over 20 years and a visitor to the island since 2000.

What is your connection to MNMRC?

I had been aware of MNMRC for many years due to my frequent visits to Maui and interest in ocean conservation, but I became directly involved right after the Lahaina wildfire in 2023. MNMRC was working with the Australia-based tech startup, Flying Fish Technologies to get 3D photogrammetry done for the coral reefs in Maui to measure the impact of the fire. Through my own work with an ocean conservation organization, I was aware of photogrammetry and was thrilled MNMRC was using the technology to help Maui’s reefs. It made so much sense that they were getting someone to come out immediately after the fires to get a baseline of reef health at that time and then repeat the process after more of the debris made its way into the ocean.

A neighbor of mine told me what MNMRC was doing with Flying Fish and that they were looking for support in housing and transporting these guys who were coming from Australia. So I helped out by providing transportation for the Flying Fish team and since then, I have been involved with MNMRC as much as I can with things like marketing, strategy, and other areas of my expertise.

Suparna encounters a Manta Ray while diving off Molokini.

Tell us about what you do for work. What outside activities do you enjoy?

Well, I would say I’m semi-retired. I’ve worked for decades in senior executive positions in top 100 Fortune companies and then non-profit organizations. Before I semi-retired I worked for over seven years for an ocean conservation organization until early 2022.

Now I volunteer my time at various organizations in Maui and elsewhere. I volunteer on a regular basis at the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute (MOCMI), mostly helping with the rescue of sea turtles. When I started coming to Maui in 2000, I spent a lot of time in the water and I started seeing so many turtles entangled in hooks and fishing line. I wanted to do something about it, so I called MOCMI to report the turtles and I ended up calling so often that they got to know me on a first-name basis.

I am also on the advisory board for Project Coyote, an organization that works to protect wild carnivores in North America. I first learned about them in 2014 and I was so impressed because there are not many organizations that work to save wildlife in North America. We are familiar with organizations that save elephants, lions, and tigers. But in North America, we have lost such a huge percentage of our wildlife like Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, wolves, and bison. It is called Project Coyote which is a bit of a polarizing term but the Coyote are also called “song dogs.” They hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for the indigenous people of North America and are an integral part of their myths and stories. They are an important member of the American wildlife we need to protect.

About 10 years ago, I founded “Women Back to Work” with a colleague. I am not as involved as I used to be; I have limited it to offering workshops to women returners through the San Jose Public Library.

Currently, I am working on getting funding for a re-use initiative in Maui that aims to replace single-use food ware at food establishments with reusable food ware. It has turned out to be a very complex project but that has never been a deterrent for me, so watch this space!

Outside of ocean activities, like diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, I love hiking. I am also a fencer and of course, I play pickleball. Who doesn’t play pickleball these days?

You have also spent quite some time trying to live a reduced-waste life. Can you tell us more about your journey?

I started my journey 20 years ago with plastic bags and single-use water bottles because I was shocked to learn that less than 9% of the plastic ever produced has been recycled and that around 50% of all plastic is produced for single use. Now, it is estimated that we’re dumping a garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute. I love the ocean so much that when I think about that visual, it just breaks my heart.

We are extracting resources from a finite planet, and while I am not perfect at being “zero waste” we can always look at things we can do better. I began with reusable bags, then I replaced Ziploc bags and plastic wrap with glass boxes and wax paper. A big leap happened when I started keeping reusable silverware and steel or glass boxes in my car for restaurant leftovers. Once I started doing that, even strangers would comment on how my reusable boxes were such an obvious thing to do and that they were going to start doing it, too. This made me believe in the power of individual actions to bring about group action. I believed it, even more, when my sister started making all-purpose cleaner instead of buying it in single-use plastic bottles and when my husband, who used to groan and ask me why I was doing this, suggested using t-shirts and rags instead of single-use paper towels. I was gobsmacked.

From there, we significantly reduced our waste by composting. I learned from one of my early sustainability non-profit jobs, that if you compost you can reduce your trash by up to 90%. I started with a little bin under the sink to collect food waste and used a basic compositing machine to turn it into fertilizer for our yard and fruit trees. It was a beautiful closed-loop system. We were eating the fruit, then putting the skin and cores into our compost pail, turning it into compost, and putting it into the yard where it fed the fruit trees. It became this endless virtuous loop and it was amazing. At that point, I did away with plastic liner bags because everything we were throwing away was dry. We also lowered our trash fees because we got a smaller trash bin.

Other ways our family tries to minimize waste is by being mindful about buying new things. Today, more things are produced than we can or need to physically use. I saw a statistic that said 75% of all Christmas gifts either get returned or donated. We found this to be true for us, so we instituted a “no gifts” policy. Just a generation ago, my parents used things until they broke down, then they repaired them. For them, it was an ethic and a value. It wasn’t that they couldn’t afford to buy something new. The thought was “If I can repair it why should I buy a new one?” They had much less “stuff” and they did splendidly.

Suparna photographing a sea lion while diving in La Paz, Mexico

What is your favorite Maui moment?

That is an easy one. My favorite Maui moment is snorkeling and seeing the turtles everywhere just doing their thing. Some of them are very curious and friendly, and others are just floating around. Hanging out with them in the ocean is one of my favorite pastimes. Now that I think about it, seeing the whales, especially underwater, is also amazing. It is very rare to see them while diving, but I’ve been fortunate to see them 3 different times, even though it was briefly. Of course, I keep my distance and make sure to follow the laws and regulations, but to see them underwater is just thrilling.

What is inspiring to you about MNMRC?

What I like is that they are so focused on protecting Maui’s waters. The thing I have learned is that it would be really nice if people could work collaboratively on big issues like ocean conservation. But on the other hand, because the ocean is so big, work needs to be done at a local level in all the places that need protection. Maui is no different. I think it’s great that MNMRC focuses on Maui and protecting its coral reefs and native fish especially because there is a high percentage of marine life that is endemic to Hawaii.

I also think the recent initiative with Reef-Friendly Landscaping is phenomenal. I hope more of the hotels and golf courses embrace it. I know there will be resistance to it. We all have the stories we tell ourselves like, “I only use it once a year,” but we forget the cumulative effect it has on the environment is very high.

Diving off of Molokini in March 2022.

What is your favorite Maui restaurant, local business, spot, etc.?

I like to go to restaurants that are doing their part to reduce their impact on the environment. I also like to go to restaurants that are either entirely vegan or have vegan options. Some of my favorites are:

That’s a Wrap, Abiki’s Carribbean Flavas, Maui Thai Bistro, Flatbread Pizza, Monsoon Bar & Grill, Moku Roots, and a new place called All Rice in the Piilani Shopping Center.

I have to also give a shoutout to Johnathan and Shawna of Papio’s Place, which used to be in South Maui. Unfortunately, they closed last year but they were serving fantastic food and truly doing the right thing for the environment. I hope they start something new soon!

What would you say to others who are considering becoming involved with MNMRC?

The ocean is about 70% of the world but less than 1% of philanthropy goes to protecting it. It produces 50% of the air we breathe, absorbs 31% of carbon dioxide emissions, not to mention the other benefits like storm protection from coral reefs. To me, it is shocking that we are so short-sighted about taking care of what sustains us. Where would we be without forests, rivers, and the ocean? Less than 3% of philanthropy goes to the environment—the underlying thing that sustains us all. Don’t get me wrong. It is important to focus on things like poverty, education, health, and women’s rights but none of that would exist without a healthy environment.

I have been diving in Maui for over 20 years and have seen first-hand the decline in reef health and fish population. These changes are not theoretical or something I read in a report. It makes me think about what I can do to help and increase awareness. I donate and offer my experience in marketing and strategy to MNMRC as a way to make a direct impact on the ocean. Do whatever you can to help and do it today—the health of our ocean cannot wait!

Talk Story with John Starmer

in Blog, MNMRC Community /by Sara Sugidono

John Starmer is the Science Director of MNMRC and has been a part of the organization for 3 years. Here, John shares more about MNMRC’s diving program and how limu (algae) can be indicators of environmental health along Maui’s coastlines.

How did you first become involved with MNMRC?

I started as a volunteer, helping with some new technology MNMRC had acquired. Eventually, that led to a part-time role, and I’ve been here full-time for the past three years. My background is in coral reef ecology and conservation. After getting my Master’s degree at the University of Guam and a brief stint as a research biologist in Palau, I spent a decade in Saipan working for the coastal zone program to build a coral reef monitoring program for the CNMI, an effort supported by the US Coral Reef Initiative. During that time, I co-founded a non-profit that allowed me to support other NGOs and local governments in developing coral reef monitoring and marine protected area programs across Micronesia and in American Samoa. I eventually left that position to pursue my PhD at the University of Florida.

John talks with a member of the Flying Fish Technologies Team during their resurvey of South and West Maui reefs in August 2024.

What initially drew you to environmental science?

From as far back as I can remember, a connection with the intricacies of nature on land and sea was always part of my experience. I spent a lot of time around the ocean up and down the Atlantic coast as a kid, from Maine to the Carolinas to Florida. I can blame Jacques Cousteau and Hans Haas for some of my interest in the ocean environment and ecology. Ecology is all about these ancient interconnected systems that we participate in, and even as a kid, it fascinated me.

I grew up in Maryland, and the environmental issues surrounding the Chesapeake Bay, for example, and the decline and collapse of many of their fisheries – shad, striped bass, crabs, oysters – made a deep impression on me. I knew back then I wanted to be part of the solution. I enjoy being out in the elements, so a career in biology seemed like a natural fit for me. I eventually studied biology at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where I was introduced to coral reefs and scuba through a tropical marine ecology course. Right after undergrad, I did a brief stint at the original National Aquarium in Washington, DC taking care of their coral reef displays before heading out to Guam for grad school, where I studied chemical ecology.

John and the MNMRC dive team perform CRAMP and FAHU reef monitoring surveys in South Maui.

You started the dive program at MNMRC. Tell us more about that.

I’ve been diving for 30 years, a dive instructor for 15 years, and a dive safety officer for (now) three organizations. I always say that when trying to understand the state of the marine environment, nothing is as effective as getting in the water and seeing things for yourself. While the ongoing impactful conservation work on the land is vital, I saw we were missing a functional understanding of the conditions in the coral reefs we wanted to improve when I arrived at MNMRC. To address that, we needed to start looking at the reefs ourselves.

While NOAA and the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) have been monitoring coral reefs throughout Hawaii for some time, there was a gap in South Maui where we are currently focused. After a couple of years of diving in the area, I can understand the survey gap as it is not an easy place to get out to survey. Kona weather and brown water during the wet season don’t provide the conditions we need for surveys, so most of our dive time takes place in the dry season when conditions are most favorable.

One of our big challenges is finding a way to make this program sustainable, and in the usual MNMRC fashion, that means looking at partnerships. We are in the process of becoming members of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences, which will allow our team to dive with DAR, the University of Hawaiʻi, NOAA and other AAUS member organizations.

John collects limu (algae) samples at Keawakapu Beach.

Is there one project you’re working on that really excites you?

I’ve always been interested in “listening” to the organisms living in an area to understand the ecology of the place. What thrives (or what is missing) in an area can tell a lot about typical environmental conditions and hint at problems in the area. We’ve recently started studying the presence of nitrogen (a fertilizer) in marine algae, which helps us to trace where nutrients are coming from. Are the levels reflective of excessive fertilizer use, sewage leaks, or something else? We know groundwater picks up nitrogen from the land as it flows to the ocean. Certain marine algae (limu) like to grow near groundwater and soak up these nutrients. While the algae clues us into where groundwater is flowing, if there are large amounts of limu, this can also hint at whether there are excess nutrients too. Laboratory analysis to understand nitrogen isotope ratios can let us know if that nitrogen came from natural sources, fertilizers, or sewage.

We plan to continue annual sampling to understand whether conditions are changing at key sites. Is there an increase or decrease in the nutrient levels we’re seeing? Problems facing our reefs often originate on land, so at MNMRC, we are always looking for solutions that address land-based issues. Our Reef-Friendly Landscaping Program, for example, encourages property managers to reduce intensive industrial fertilizer use as much of these fertilizers wash away before plants can absorb them. If we identify an area with high fertilizer use, we should be able to show a reduction in coastal nitrogen runoff after a shift to organic alternatives. We want to continue to use these limu as indicators of environmental health and to directly tie this work to management actions in the future.

John prepares to conduct the final reef monitoring survey of 2024.

What advice can you share with us about the current environmental situation?

When it comes to our coral reefs, the combination of polluted runoff, overfishing, and climate change are the major issues causing harm. While climate change is hard to tackle as an individual, focusing on what we can directly control, like choosing to fish pono or transitioning that festering septic tank, has immense value. For example, limiting or avoiding catching or buying limu-eating fish like uhu, kala, and palani means there are more of these fish helping to maintain our reefs, keeping algae in balance, and making space for new corals to grow. I always like to focus on managing my sphere of influence.

These days, it is really easy to downplay the effect our individual actions have. I understand wanting to throw up your hands and think, “I can’t do anything about what’s happening,” but I try to say, “think about what you can do.” Each of our individual choices creates a collective effect. The more waste you pour down the drain, for example, the more it all ends up in the ground, contributing to what we see downstream and eventually in the ocean, so something as simple as waste reduction and water conservation can make a big difference at the individual level.

You also don’t have to go at it alone. My family and I volunteer our time with local conservation groups. Participating in projects like restoring wetlands, loʻi kalo, or cleaning up a beach, for example, is a great way to work with your community to make a bigger impact.

John and the MNMRC dive team looking for potential community-based coral restoration areas (CBCRA) in South Maui.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

My two daughters are competitive swimmers here in Maui, and they swim as part of the interscholastic league and at the national level. Many of my Saturdays are spent as a referee at their swim events, whistle in hand! I’m also part of the Kihei Community Association in South Maui and sit on the Infrastructure and Transportation Committee. I enjoy the chance this gives me to collaborate on finding solutions to community issues and concerns.

Any favorite food trucks or restaurants on the island you can point us towards?

I am not a food truck regular, but I always hit up Maui Fresh Streatery when they show up to an event. I enjoy their crispy garlic furikake chicken bowl, but the thing I like about this particular food truck is they like trying new stuff – and it’s always ono (delicious).

Best spot to watch a sunset?

Watching sunsets at Keoneʻōʻio Bay (La Pérouse) while fishing with the family is always a treat.

Speaker Series: Global & Local Coastal Water Quality Data Visualization: A new tool for the Maui community

in Blog, Know Your Ocean Presentation, Meetings & Events /by Sara Sugidono

Join us for a conversation on how Aqualink, a leading platform for real-time oceanographic data, is partnering with water quality monitoring organization Hui O Ka Wai Ola (HOKWO) to empower residents and scientists alike to track water quality and ocean conditions in real-time. Learn about new tools for monitoring sea surface temperature, wind, and wave conditions alongside HOKWO’s essential data on salinity, pH, and turbidity. The partnership aims to highlight the importance of “thinking globally, acting locally,” equipping Maui’s community with insights to safeguard its cherished beaches and reefs. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the global network of ocean advocates and how you can make a meaningful impact in protecting Maui’s coastal waters! Register here:

Save your spot, register today!

Meet the Speaker: Caesar Hjertén, Project Manager at Aqualink

Caesar joined Aqualink in February 2022 with the goal of advancing the platform and increasing the organization’s impact. Caesar graduated from UH Hilo where he also played for the university’s soccer team. Caesar is passionate about our oceans and the environment. He likes to play sports, dive, surf, and other outdoor activities. At Aqualink, he manages the online platform, fleet of Smart Mooring buoys, and is Aqualink’s primary point of contact.

Meet the Speaker: Liz Yannell, Program Manager at Hui O Ka Wai Ola
Liz joined the Hui as Senior Team Leader in May 2022 and became the Program Manager in June 2023. She has a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Florida Gulf Coast University. In 2022, Liz graduated from the Marine Options Program at UH Maui and worked as the assistant in the marine lab on campus. As Program Manager, she is primarily responsible for coordinating various aspects of the program, including field, lab, and logistical support, coordinating fellow team leads, and managing the volunteer program. Her responsibilities include overseeing monitoring operations and data collection, entry, and record-keeping; team lead and volunteer training and coordination; preparing and maintaining supplies and equipment; and meeting with advisory Technical and Steering Committees to ensure successful continuity and growth of the program. She also often joins volunteers in collection and analysis of coastal water samples in the field. Liz is from O’ahu and currently lives in Kula with her two kids and husband. She loves all things ocean-related and is very passionate about coral reef conservation.

Talk Story with Amy Hodges

in Blog, MNMRC Community /by Sara Sugidono

Amy Hodges is the Executive Director of MNMRC and has been a part of the organization for 12 years. Here, Amy shares how she got her start in conservation and the impact MNRMC is making in Maui’s community.

What drew you to the environmental space?

I grew up in Maine and went on to study biology and art at Bowdoin College. I have always felt a deep connection to the ocean and the program included a focus on coastal studies and marine biology, which was perfect for me. As a kid, I was constantly exploring Maine’s tidepools and rocky beaches. I developed a real interest in wildlife biology as well and at one time worked with a mobile vet service where we visited Maine’s islands via boat to care for local pets. I’ve recently completed my graduate studies in fish, wildlife, and conservation biology at Colorado State University and I look forward to putting these new skills to work for Maui.

How did you first become connected with MNMRC?

A good friend of mine in college grew up on the big island and after working there one summer I knew Hawai‘i was where I wanted to live. I eventually made the move to Maui a few years later and started working in a veterinary clinic here. I was also volunteering across the island with different conservation groups whenever I had the chance. One night, I was helping with a sea turtle nest watch, and through word of mouth, heard of a job opening at MNMRC. As they say, the rest is history. I’ve now been part of the organization for 12 years, which is really special.

Tell us about a current project that excites you.

Our community-based coral restoration work is really inspiring. It’s a first for Maui and we are so proud to partner with Kuleana Coral Restoration on Oʻahu to bring this important work to our island. We have identified 8 potential sites that have the right habitat, depth and surrounding coral communities to support new coral growth. What I love most is the hands-on aspect of this work – locating optimal sites and then planting the baby corals where there is potential for them to thrive. With these direct coral interventions, we’re giving the coral a chance to survive and hopefully really thrive again while also creating new fish habitat. It’s a great example of using an innovative approach to support the health of our local coral reef ecosystems.

What impact is MNMRC making within the local community?

We work with a wide range of organizations and partners to bring our projects to fruition. I like to think we connect the dots so to speak, and bring people together to address and support needs that impact our community and our local ecosystems. We are an open-minded and naturally curious group and we love saying that we’ll try. Being a smaller team, we also have greater flexibility than maybe a larger organization, which allows us to turn around grant funding quickly, for example, or address an immediate need that arises.

One great example of our community work is our reef-friendly landscaping program led by MNMRC Program Director Jill Wirt. We are currently partnering with Soil Thrive and Maui Gold Pineapple Company on a 1-acre test plot of pineapple as part of this program, where we are using regenerative practices including a compost tea brewer to amend the soil. Our goal is to find organic alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and assist land managers in this transition. As a result, we see healthier soil, a reduction in polluted runoff and a healthier island.

I am really proud of MNMRC’s solutions-based work focused on ensuring a healthy coral reef, clean ocean water, and abundant native fish. If we all share a common vision of creating a more sustainable future with intention, we can make a bigger impact. Here in Hawaiʻi, we see how everything is connected.

Is there something you wish more people knew about the current state of conservation?

There is an urgency now that wasn’t felt in the field even just twenty years ago. We are in a run, not walk situation at this point and we’re projecting major changes within the next few decades. The good news is that with the right policies and protections in place in combination with community support and funding availability, we can still make a big impact. But it takes everyone coming together to make it happen. I appreciate the can-do spirit of the community on Maui and our local partners for being willing to try new approaches with us.

What are your favorite local spots on Maui?

My favorite restaurant is definitely Tiffany’s–especially their Happy Hour saimin combo. I also love the Waihe’e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge to walk and explore.

What would you like to say to the donors and supporters of MNMRC?

I want them to know how much I appreciate them sticking with us as we’ve grown as an organization. All the work we have done in the last 17 years is because of the people who were willing to stay the course. MNMRC’s accomplishments are really their accomplishments and I am thankful for each and every person who has committed to being in it with us for Maui and for the long haul.

Talk Story with Alex Polson

in Blog, MNMRC Community /by Sara Sugidono

Alex Polson has been a frequent visitor to the island and a loyal supporter of MNMRC for the past three years. Here, we learn more about his connection to the organization and Maui.

Tell us a little bit about how you got connected to MNMRC

About 3 years ago, after returning from a trip to Maui, I wanted to find a way that I could give back to the communities of the island. I did some searching on the web and came across MNMRC. As somebody who is very passionate about the environment and sustainability as a whole, I got the sense that MNMRC was the perfect charity to get involved with.

Tell us about what you do for work and what outdoor activities you enjoy.

I’m a software engineer at a company called Indeed, whose mission is to help people get jobs. I really appreciate their focus on people, not only those that are looking for jobs but their employees as well.

Outside of work, I like to spend time with my wife, daughter, and two dogs Sunny, a super mutt, and Oscar, a long-haired miniature dachshund. When I can, I also like to go running which I find allows me to see things from new perspectives that aren’t possible when driving.

Can you share how the ocean has impacted you?

I’ve lived in the Seattle area my whole life, so I have always been surrounded by water in some way. That said, I’ve always been afraid of it, mostly due to the waters of the Pacific Northwest being so cold and opaque. When I visited Hawaii for the first time, I found its warmth and transparency beautiful and refreshing, and my wife and I have grown to love snorkeling when we visit. I’ve been lucky enough to happen upon a few honu as they’ve been swimming by, keeping a safe distance of course. To be able to see the wildlife in their natural habitat is humbling, and has made me more aware of how important it is to keep our oceans healthy.

Tell us a bit more about your connection to Maui and the people. What does Maui mean to you and why do you keep coming back?

I have been coming to the islands for almost 20 years now. Like many travelers, I initially stayed in areas that were more touristy but the more I branched out, the more I began to feel a part of the local community. I’m the kind of person that likes to strike up conversations with strangers because I’m very curious and love to meet new people. I’ve had so many lovely chats with folks in the most random places, by recognizing some simple, common ground.

What is your favorite Maui moment?

A couple of years ago, my family and I made our way down to the Hoapilli Trail on the south of Maui. There’s a point on the trail where you step out of a copse of trees into a huge, barron, ancient lava flow. Hiking through it was another reminder of how remarkable nature is. On the other side of that flow was another group of trees that we didn’t quite get to before having to turn around. I hope to make it to those trees and beyond it to see what comes next. I love exploring and seeing what’s around the next corner.

What do you wish more people knew about supporting conservation causes?

It’s so easy to think short-term, but it’s so critical for us all to invest in long-term solutions for the generations to come. Seemingly small decisions such as using reef-safe sunscreen, recycling or reusing materials to avoid adding things to our landfills, can have large impacts if many of us make these sorts of choices. We each need to understand the impacts we’re having on our environment, and do what we can to reduce or eliminate those impacts. The more people that we can educate about conservation causes, the bigger the impact we can have.

What’s your favorite Maui restaurant?

Ever since we started visiting Kihei, we always make it at least once per trip (usually more) to the Kihei Caffe off of South Kihei Road. Everything that I’ve tried is delicious but my personal favorite is their Kalua pork Loco Moco with fried rice. I usually have a hard time deciding what to get, but it has it all. On our last trip, we discovered Da Kitchen, off of South Kihei Road, which is also delicious!

What would you say to others who are considering becoming involved with MNMRC?

If you’re passionate about environmental causes and you feel a connection to Maui, both the land and Hawaiian culture, MNMRC is an amazing cause doing amazing work. I can’t be on Maui all the time, but it’s definitely in good hands with MNMRC.

Talk Story with Hanalei Hoʻopai-Sylva

in Blog, MNMRC Community /by Sara Sugidono

This story is the first in a new series where we highlight individuals in the MNMRC community. Whether near or far, resident or visitor, we all share a passion for marine conservation in Maui Nui!

Hanalei Hoʻopai-Sylva was born and raised on Maui. As a fisherman, spear diver, and surfer, he was introduced to how important the marine ecosystem is to everyday life in Hawaiʻi from a young age. He is currently in graduate school at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa studying coral reef health and previously worked for the Coral Resilience Lab. In April 2024, Hanalei was voted in as MNMRC’s newest board member.

First of all, congratulations on joining the MNMRC Board of Directors! How did you get connected to us?

Thank you! I’m really looking forward to being involved. Being from Maui, I saw MNMRC around town but it wasn’t until a friend who was into science encouraged me to attend a Know Your Ocean talk that I really discovered MNMRC. This was right before I was about to start college and it was a great talk which sparked my interest in pursuing science as a career. The speaker looked like a younger local surfer — someone I could really relate to. Just seeing someone like me, up there talking about the ocean in that type of role, it had a huge impact on me.

There are many conservation groups in Hawaiʻi. Why did you choose to be a board member for MNMRC?

I’ve been working closely with (board member) Ekolu Lindsey doing restoration work in Olowalu and he approached me with this opportunity. He knows that I want to eventually work in resource management on Maui. Ekolu has been really encouraging as I continue to learn and grow in this field.

How has the ocean impacted you?

As a young kid on Maui, I loved being in the water as much as possible with cousins, aunties, and uncles. When I got a bit older, I started bodyboarding and spearfishing. I always felt like the ocean brought me peace and it was somewhere I wanted to be. That definitely hasn’t changed.

What was your first catch?

I used to love spotting the bright red of the Menpachi (Soldier Fish) in the water when I was really young. I was in middle school when I learned to spearfish and Menpachi was the first fish I caught. I still like to spearfish when I can find the time.

How did you get started in reef science?

I was given an opportunity to be a coral reef researcher with the Coral Resilience Lab right after graduating with my B.S from UH Mānoa. Studying reefs wasn’t something I set out to focus on originally. My goal is to eventually work in resource management here in Hawaiʻi but working as a researcher was an introduction to the science world and helped me understand how research plays out.

I am motivated to represent local Hawaiians in decisions that impact our reefs. It is critical that we are part of the conversation when it comes to our lands and waters. My time at the lab has prepared me to continue working towards that goal.

What did you do at the Coral Resilience Lab?

I was the project manager for our Restore with Resilience (RWR) project in Olowalu, Maui, as well as a photogrammetry specialist for our RWR projects in Honolulu and Kāneʻohe. Depending on the day, I would help with community outreach, get in the water to conduct research, work on some writing or do data analysis.

The research I directly assisted with consisted of photographing outplanted corals at key sites and then using those images to create 3D models that could be used to monitor and track the coralʻs growth over time.

What do you wish more young people knew about working in science?
A career in science is more accessible than people might think. Once you get through some of the math and science basics that can be hard and might feel like a hurdle, you can specialize and focus on what really interests you, and that’s the exciting part.

You live in Honolulu – do you have any restaurant recommendations for us?

I live in the Kaimuki neighborhood, so I like to head over to Chubbie’s Burgers. It doesn’t disappoint!

How about a favorite watersport?

Right now, it’s surfing Diamond Head but really, whenever I’m in the water, I’m happy.

StoryMap: Understanding Water Flow from North Kīhei Streams

in Blog /by Sara Sugidono

Chlorophyll Clues: Studying Nutrient Pollution at Kanaha Beach Park

in Blog /by Sara Sugidono

Less obvious than ‘brown water events’ from big storms, groundwater is known to carry chemicals, sewage waste, and other contaminants into the ocean. It can also offer scientists and resource managers clues about the specific types of pollutants from a watershed and their sources. Previous scientific studies on Maui have shown that groundwater discharge is common along many shorelines and, that unfortunately, nutrient pollution is a widespread issue.

Since 2019, MNMRC has been collecting data on groundwater around Maui to improve its understanding of how it enters the ocean and find ways of reducing the toxic load that ends up on local reefs. The effort started as a small project in partnership with the County of Maui, using a Manta multi-sensor water probe to gather groundwater data in key coastal areas from Kahului to Kaupo. Since then, MNMRC has continued to collect coastal groundwater data around the island as it is able, primarily in West and South Maui.

Satellite imagery showing chlorophyll levels from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-3 OLCI. (Photo Credit: The European Space Agency)

Satellite imagery showing chlorophyll levels from the PacIOOS MODIS Aqua. (Photo Credit: Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System)

While efforts to evaluate groundwater’s impact on Maui’s coastal waters have continued, the urban areas along the island’s North side have not been recently revisited. Imagery from both the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-3 OLCI satellite and NOAAs MODIS Aqua satellite repeatedly shows high levels of chlorophyll in the area off of Maui’s North Shore, suggesting that the nutrient pollution described by Daniel Amato and colleagues in 2016 continues to this day. Chlorophyll detected in tropical waters reveals the presence of floating microalgae that rapidly multiply when fertilized by the nutrients in groundwater. Closer to shore, nutrients can also cause blooms of larger limu species.

“At Kanaha, the satellite imagery suggests that nutrient enrichment attributed to the nearby wastewater treatment plant by the Amato study is affecting areas far offshore,” said Science Director John Starmer. The imagery also indicates that the treatment plant is not the only source, so we are looking to better understand the hydrology up and down the coast.”

MNMRC’s Science Director, John Starmer assembles a Manta water sensor to test salinity at Kanaha Beach Park. (Photo Credit: Maui Nui Marine Resource Council)

An amphibian2 device works in conjunction with the Manta to collect salinity and water temperature data. (Photo Credit: Maui Nui Marine Resource Council)

In a trial to involve community science to understand groundwater, data generated by athletes participating in the recent Epic Swim Maui event has helped fill the knowledge gap of groundwater presence in North Maui and other hard-to-reach places on the island. Swimmers were equipped with water sensors that captured salinity and temperature data as they circumnavigated the island in July 2024. MNMRC has made other informal attempts to collect data in North Maui through kayak tows closer to shore which can help shed light on where groundwater flow might be coming from. “It is clear that groundwater is flowing into the ocean all along the coast at Kanaha,” said Starmer. “The next step is to look for the indicators of the strongest groundwater flow. We won’t be able to test everything so we are focusing on finding areas with high groundwater and nutrient influence and then following up with additional testing.”

In addition to studying the impacts of groundwater in North Maui, MNMRC is also working to understand the flow of stormwater and its effects on coastal water quality. A proposed partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) could help fill gaps in knowledge around the relationship between surface and groundwater flow and allow MNMRC to undertake the additional steps needed to get a clearer idea of water quality conditions at Kanaha.

While groundwater can be an “invisible” problem, it can be equally harmful to our reefs as brown water events. “The big plumes of brown-water runoff we see during storms are obvious but acute signs of poor water quality,” said Starmer. “Because it’s usually clear, groundwater is a chronic but hidden issue—it’s always flowing and can be just as polluted as surface runoff. If we want to address the bigger issue of land-based pollution in our coastal waters, we will have to find solutions to both brown water and groundwater challenges around Maui.”

Celebrating Success: Reef-Friendly Landscaping Course Launch

in Blog /by Sara Sugidono

The health of our coral reefs is crucial to the environment, providing habitat for countless marine species and protecting coastlines from erosion. To support this vital ecosystem, MNMRC launched its Reef-Friendly Landscaping Certification Course to educate and empower individuals to create sustainable, eco-friendly landscapes that benefit both land and sea.

Our Reef-Friendly Landscaping Certification Course covers 10 topics from site analysis and design basics, mālama ʻāina, to soil health and microbiology, and energy, pollution and climate change. Participants learn how to choose native plants, reduce harmful chemical use, and create landscapes that support local wildlife while protecting marine environments. This course builds upon existing knowledge in traditional land management that has proven successful for generations.

We’re thrilled to announce that our first cohort has successfully completed our inaugural RFL course! Students came from a variety of backgrounds, including home gardeners, professional landscapers, and property managers all united by their desire to expand upon their existing efforts to transition their areas from conventional practices to reef-friendly practices.

Reef-Friendly Landscaping Cohort 1:

Benjamin Rachunas, Paia Youth & Cultural Center

Joseph Pittsenberger, Director of Landscaping, Maui Marriott Ocean Club

Heidi Beltz, Landscaping Committee Member, Kahoma Village Lahaina

Kevin Gavagan, Director of Landscaping at the Four Seasons Maui

Raymond Watson, Property Manager, Honokeana Cove Napili

Cohort 1 Success Stories:

Benjamin Rachunas, Paia Youth & Cultural Center

For over a decade, Benjamin has led the Paia Youth & Cultural Center’s (PYCC) successful coastal restoration program, partnering with the County of Maui Parks Department. They’ve restored native Hawaiian coastal plants like Aki Aki and Akulikuli by planting and reducing foot traffic, despite challenges like occasional droughts. Benjamin’s innovative solution includes installing a water filtration system with a liquid fertilizer injector, using compost from restaurant leftovers and yard clippings. This approach not only enhances plant health but also enriches the educational experiences at PYCC.

Joseph Pittsenberger, Director of Landscaping, Maui Marriott Ocean Club

Joseph has initiated a project to create a chemical-free lawn starting with the large lawn area near the Napili building. His plan involves consulting with soil expert Jonny Klassen to understand the necessary soil treatments and implementing these recommendations. Additionally, Joseph plans to use compost from his on-site nursery to maintain the lawn, avoiding the purchase of external supplies and demonstrating cost savings. Once successful, he aims to extend the chemical-free approach to the entire property.

Heidi Beltz, Landscaping Committee Member, Kahoma Village Lahaina

Heidi is a resident of Kahoma Village in Lahaina, and part of the landscaping committee working on restoring the neighborhood post-fire. Despite the fire, most of the village remains intact, with only 25 of the 276 homes lost, mostly near a water retention basin. Viewing the area as a Kipuka, or sacred spared land, the committee’s goals include soil restoration, native planting, water preservation, and runoff management. Initial steps involved soil testing and using compost tea to rejuvenate the soil, halting synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. They plan to plant native, endemic, and fruiting species, ensuring soil quality with biochar and compost. This community-driven project aims to benefit both residents and the local ecosystem by promoting reef-friendly practices.

Kevin Gavagan, Director of Landscaping at the Four Seasons Maui

Kevin is implementing a soil revitalization process on a 600 sq ft test plot of Seashore Paspallum sod at the resort. The project aims to improve water retention, eliminate synthetic chemicals, enhance pest control, and promote beneficial soil microorganisms. The plot, located along the beach walk, will replace a worn and poorly irrigated lawn. Key steps include soil testing, compost and biochar amendments, and regular applications of soil tea. This initiative not only aims to establish sustainable landscaping practices but also to demonstrate the positive impact of reef-friendly methods on soil and plant health.

Raymond Watson, Property Manager, Honokeana Cove Napili

Raymond transitioned the property’s lawn care from synthetic chemicals to organic practices under MNMRC’s Reef Friendly Landscaping program. He aerated the soil, applied compost tea and Humates Plus, and switched to organic fertilizers and organic pest control. This rehabilitation process resulted in a healthier, greener lawn with improved water retention, fewer yellow spots, and reduced water and labor costs. Residents appreciate the natural, lush appearance and the absence of harmful chemicals.

RFL Cohort 2 – Coming Fall 2024

Given the success of our first cohort, we’re excited to announce that the Reef-Friendly Landscaping Course will be offered again this fall, with additional in-person work sessions on advanced topics such as runoff impacts and watershed connectivity. Those who complete the course will have access to an RFL Network Membership with exclusive access to events and workshops.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our participants and program supporters. This course was made possible with support from the County of Maui Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division.

Join us in protecting our reefs! Sign up for our next course, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Reef in Brief for updates, or participate in our upcoming community events.

Wildfire Response: Using Technology to Protect Lahaina’s Reefs

in Blog /by Sara Sugidono

Following the devastating Lahaina wildfire, Maui Nui Marine Resource Council (MNMRC) launched a phased project last fall to study and monitor the fire’s impact on reef health near the burn zone. The project aimed to use 3D imaging technology to map and assess key reef sites, capturing “snapshots” before and after rainy season runoff. Rainy season, which typically runs from November – March on Maui, was expected to result in heavy storm runoff that would wash debris, toxins and other waste from the fire into the ocean.

Phase One: Assessing Lahaina’s Reefs In September 2023, just a few weeks after the fire and well before major runoff entered nearby waters, MNMRC collaborated with Australian start-up Flying Fish Technologies (FFT) to take 800,000 images of priority reef sites which were then used to generate 3D maps. According to MNMRC Science Director John Starmer, leveraging the cutting-edge technology offered by FFT “allowed us to collect information about reefs in South and West Maui more quickly, safely, and cost-effectively across more reef area than by using the traditional approach of diver surveys.” FFT also trained and applied a machine-learning algorithm to the underwater footage of the reef sites to count and identify coral and fish species around Lahaina. When a diverse mix of corals and fish are found in enough numbers, it almost always means a reef is healthy but when the numbers and diversity are low, the opposite can be expected. Scientists can use this new algorithm to study reef health over time to determine whether action is needed to help a struggling reef recover.

3D Map of reef conditions before the Lahaina fire.

3D map of reefs in Lahaina before toxic debris, runoff, and other waste from the fire washed into the ocean. (Photo Credit: Flying Fish Technologies)

Footage of reef site using FFT’s underwater drone, the Vertigo3 glider. (Video Credit: Flying Fish Technologies) Phase Two:

Revisiting Lahaina’s Reefs

In early August, MNMRC is set to partner with FFT once again to resurvey the reef sites. During the height of the rainy season this past January, heavy rains washed significant amounts of toxic runoff into the ocean. It is critical to see how this runoff has impacted reef and fish populations at the sites initially surveyed in September 2023. As more time passes, it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish recently dead coral from coral that has been dead for some time and be able to assign cause. At present, coral populations at key sites should either be recovering from the negative effects of the runoff events or the coral will have died. By comparing 3D maps, MNMRC can evaluate how the reef sites have changed due to the fire and by extension, better understand how to protect the reef against further damage. No precedent exists for an urban wildfire event occurring so close to a reef and there is no easy way to predict how the fire’s aftermath may impact overall reef health and the fragile ecosystems along the coastline and near shore waters. Completing this important project provides a way to study, compare and note changes to the affected sites as well as detect changes in coral cover and fish/invertebrate abundance. Findings can then be used to create actionable solutions to protect and restore impacted marine ecosystems. MNMRC is committed to sharing research findings with the Maui Nui community as we continue to work together to care for and protect our fragile coral reefs and support Lahaina’s near-shore ecosystem.

The form is not published.