Pursuing ʻĀkoʻakoʻa's mission
Meet the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa team
Introducing the backbone of ʻĀkoʻakoʻa: a diverse team of skilled scientists, technologists, vessel operators, educators, and more. This group represents the best in their fields, from marine science to data science and operational excellence. Together, they form a cohesive unit, dedicated to advancing our understanding of the reef and how we can fuse every capability in our toolbox to restore them.
Cultural Advisors
The unique cultural values of Hawaiʻi are foundational to the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa program in meeting its scientific and community stewardship goals. Our cultural advisory board molds our strategy and ensures that the program is firmly grounded in traditional Hawaiian values.
Chadd Paishon
Māhukona
Pualani Lincoln Maielua
Kawaihae & Māhukona
Cindi Punihaole
Kahaluʻu
Henry Cho & Jeana Kelekolio
Hōnaunau
Damien Kenison
Hoʻokena
Kaʻimi Kaupiko
Miloliʻi
Team Members
Meet our ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration team, a blend of marine, aviation, and land-based diagnostic and restoration specialists, scientists, educators, and program supporters. Each member brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to our mission of coral reef restoration and community empowerment.
Greg Asner
Founder (ASU)
Jason Cabilin
Reef Restoration Operations (ASU)
Rachel Carlson
Reef Diagnostics (UC Davis)
Zack Craig
Reef Restoration (DAR)
Sheldon Decosse
Air Operations (ASU)
Blair Edlund
Air Operations (ASU)
Jamison Gove
Reef Diagnostics (NOAA)
Dominica Harrison
Reef Diagnostics (ASU)
Joseph Heckler
Air Operations (ASU)
Kater Hiney
Education (ASU)
Kelly Hondula
Water Diagnostics (ASU)
Neal Hoogenboom
Marine Operations (ASU)
Amanda Keanuenueokamoana Llanes
Marine Operations (ASU)
Jeana Kelekolio
Hōnaunau Bay Community Outreach (ASU)
Grace Klinges
Reef Restoration (ASU)
Amanda Koeller
Program Administration (ASU)
Caleb Labo
Reef Diagnostics (ASU)
Paulina Martin
Program Development (ASU)
Robin Martin
Education (ASU)
Keelee Martin
Reef Restoration (DAR)
Phillip Noel
Reef Diagnostics (ASU)
Jasper Oshun
Water Diagnostics (ASU)
Kailey Pascoe
Reef Diagnostics (ASU)
Teagan Roome
Reef Restoration (ASU)
Andrea Scott
Program Administration (ASU)
Robin Smith
Reef Restoration (ASU)
Kevin Tadlock
Marine Operations (ASU)
Chris Teague
Program Development (DAR)
Nick Vaughn
Reef Diagnostics (ASU)
Maiana Villegas
Communications (ASU)
Uhiwai Wall
Marine Operations (ASU)
Jonathan Whitney
Reef Diagnostics (NOAA)
Abbey Woodard
Reef Restoration (ASU)
Kelly Woods
Marine Operations (ASU)
Devon Woodward
Air Operations (ASU)
Lena Wray
Marine Operations (ASU)