My typical day involves supporting our entire team in their projects as well as my own tasks. On the administrative side this includes coordinating our event schedules, ordering supplies, weekly accounting in coordination with our CPA, social media posts, correspondence with partner orgs and government agencies.  On the fieldwork side this means leading events both weekdays and weekends, supporting our volunteer community in creating cleaner, safer, and better respected spaces.

By far my favorite part is working alongside fellow community members in the field.  All of you inspire me every day!

I enjoy running, hiking, SUP, surfing, swimming, diving. I'm also a movie buff and like to watch one in theaters every month or so. Enjoying taking photos and practicing guitar as well.

I got started one winter back in the late 90's removing invasive english ivy behind my home in Richmond VA, and the native plants returned to those spaces that very Spring. I also ran the environmental club at my college, and served in the Peace Corps in Jamaica as an environmental focused volunteer for two years. I worked at a marine park reserve in Montego Bay doing like-minded work to what we do now.  I also worked in the solar industry for a number of years on Oahu.

Favorite native animal is tough but I'd have to go with adorable monk seals :)

Philip Bailey, Phil Collins - Easy Lover

I assist the Executive Director with development and execution of the organization's mission, goals and objectives. Additionally, I explore and develop relationships with community level folks in programming, education and service related functions to strengthen their goals through models of engagement that we use as an organization. On a daily basis, my work includes responding to emails of interests and community questions, as well as inviting discussions with respective and potential partners, sharing in our collective work. I assist with managing our international programs, including facilitating critical field work and related curriculum, reporting and grant work, and maintenance of equipment.  Additionally meeting and talking to community members and partners.

Facilitating access to learning from beautiful places that aid in the enrichment of the lives of those that make time to join us.

I enjoy Uhau Humu Pōhaku, dry rock masonry, as a Kumu of this lifestyle, privileged to share and teach it to communities of people around the world, and development of more intimate relationships with our environments.  I also enjoy Ulana ʻIeʻie, which is the native hawaiian style of basketry.

I strongly encourage everyone to find ways to learn about Hawaiʻi, in the most authentic ways. If you are not too sure what you like, come explore options with us. There is definitely a place for you.

As a child, raised in a Hawaiian household, "environmental work" was not a phrase we heard.  Kuleana was the term associated with the various actions instilled in us by our grandparents and parents.  This included better a place when we left it, and honoring places and people in every engagement.

Helenas Hawaiian Food, Lūʻau Heʻe, Lomi ʻōʻio, Poi and Pīpī Kaula

ʻĀkia is my favorite coastal plant

Whitney Houston, I wanna dance with somebody

As Project Coordinator at 808 Cleanups, I’m fortunate to be involved in many aspects of our organization’s mission. I originally joined to gain experience in grant writing, and I now assist with numerous grant applications that fund our cleanups and restoration work. This involves regular communication with both public and private grantors who support our efforts.

In addition to writing, I work closely with our Executive Director and Director of Community Outreach to lead field events and coordinate volunteer action. I’ve learned a great deal from this hands-on work, and starting in June, I’ll be leading my own recurring field events at Queen Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden every Sunday afternoon.

 

A typical work-from-home day includes catching up on emails, compiling project data, and ensuring our efforts align with past grant proposals so we can accurately report back to funders. I also seek out new funding opportunities as we—like many nonprofits—face financial challenges. When I’m in the field, I help with volunteer coordination, lead opening circles to share the history of the space, and support volunteers with tasks like trash removal, invasive species clearing, and native plant maintenance.

 

I love getting to educate volunteers in ways that bridge academic knowledge with community-based conservation. Coming from a background in History and Writing, I entered this work by learning from the community, not the lab. That perspective helps me connect with people from all walks of life and show them that everyone—regardless of their background—can play a role in protecting and restoring our environment.

 

Outside of 808 Cleanups, I am a haumāna of Uhau Humu Pōhaku, the Native Hawaiian stone-masonry practice, under Kumu Kimeona Kane. Though I sometimes use these skills on-site with 808 Cleanups, I also participate in restoration projects around the islands, where I’ve been honored to help rebuild traditional kuapā (fishpond walls). I also enjoy swimming in the ocean and spending time on creative writing.

 

Keep showing up—even on the hard days. Volunteering, especially in conservation, always leaves me feeling more grounded and fulfilled. It’s not always easy to make time, but the impact is real. And there’s something for everyone! Whether you're into fieldwork or prefer to support behind the scenes, we always welcome new hands and encourage you to explore what part of the work you want to get involved in. 

 

I first got involved through a class assignment at Hawaiʻi Pacific University. For a Pacific Languages course, I needed to volunteer with a community organization, so I joined the Akupu Service Project with Sierra Club. They lead monthly trips to Palehua Reserve to support restoration work benefiting the Oʻahu ʻElepaio. I had no field experience, but I loved hiking and wanted to explore more. That project sparked my passion and made me realize I could support conservation efforts—regardless of my liberal arts major. I still volunteer for the project when I can and remain inspired by the people who continue to protect that special area.

 

Pōhuehue is my favorite coastal native plant. Its vibrant purple flowers remind me of the ‘Ōlelo Noʻeau:

"Kā ‘ia i ka pōhuehue."
Smitten with the pōhuehue.
Said of a victim of sorcery. One would strike the sea with the vine to raise the surf and endanger someone at sea.

 

I love the double meaning of this translation. Reading the translation, I thought about being smitten (in a loving way) by the pōhuehue but the word kā uncovers the visual of beating or striking that tells a much different story of the pōhuehue.

 

Hey Ya! by Outkast 

We hope you enjoyed getting to know some key members of our team better. Sign up for an event soon to see them each in their element!