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.

GAO map of the Kona Coast

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

Chadd Paishon

Māhukona
Pualani Lincoln Maielua

Pualani Lincoln Maielua

Kawaihae & Māhukona
Cindi Punihaole

Cindi Punihaole

Kahaluʻu
Henry Cho & Jeana Kelekolio

Henry Cho & Jeana Kelekolio

Hōnaunau
Damien Kenison

Damien Kenison

Hoʻokena
Kaʻimi Kaupiko

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

Greg Asner

Founder (ASU)
Jason Cabilin

Jason Cabilin

Reef Restoration Operations (ASU)
Rachel Carlson

Rachel Carlson

Reef Diagnostics (UC Davis)
Zack Craig

Zack Craig

Reef Restoration (DAR)
Sheldon Decosse

Sheldon Decosse

Air Operations (ASU)
Blair Edlund

Blair Edlund

Air Operations (ASU)
Jamison Gove

Jamison Gove

Reef Diagnostics (NOAA)
Dominica Harrison

Dominica Harrison

Reef Diagnostics (ASU)
Joseph Heckler

Joseph Heckler

Air Operations (ASU)
Kater Hiney

Kater Hiney

Education (ASU)
Kelly Hondula

Kelly Hondula

Water Diagnostics (ASU)
Neal Hoogenboom

Neal Hoogenboom

Marine Operations (ASU)
Amanda Keanuenueokamoana Llanes

Amanda Keanuenueokamoana Llanes

Marine Operations (ASU)
Jeana Kelekolio

Jeana Kelekolio

Hōnaunau Bay Community Outreach (ASU)
Grace Klinges

Grace Klinges

Reef Restoration (ASU)
Amanda Koeller

Amanda Koeller

Program Administration (ASU)
Caleb Labo

Caleb Labo

Reef Diagnostics (ASU)
Paulina Martin

Paulina Martin

Program Development (ASU)
Robin Martin

Robin Martin

Education (ASU)
Keelee Martin

Keelee Martin

Reef Restoration (DAR)
Phillip Noel

Phillip Noel

Reef Diagnostics (ASU)
Jasper Oshun

Jasper Oshun

Water Diagnostics (ASU)
Kailey Pascoe

Kailey Pascoe

Reef Diagnostics (ASU)
Teagan Roome

Teagan Roome

Reef Restoration (ASU)
Andrea Scott

Andrea Scott

Program Administration (ASU)
Robin Smith

Robin Smith

Reef Restoration (ASU)
Kevin Tadlock

Kevin Tadlock

Marine Operations (ASU)
Chris Teague

Chris Teague

Program Development (DAR)
Nick Vaughn

Nick Vaughn

Reef Diagnostics (ASU)
Maiana Villegas

Maiana Villegas

Communications (ASU)
Uhiwai Wall

Uhiwai Wall

Marine Operations (ASU)
Jonathan Whitney

Jonathan Whitney

Reef Diagnostics (NOAA)
Abbey Woodard

Abbey Woodard

Reef Restoration (ASU)
Kelly Woods

Kelly Woods

Marine Operations (ASU)
Devon Woodward

Devon Woodward

Air Operations (ASU)
Lena Wray

Lena Wray

Marine Operations (ASU)