Connect with Us/Contact Us/Staff & Offices

Staff & Offices

Meet the team and offices dedicated to managing and protecting Hawai‘i’s aquatic resources.

Division of Aquatic Resources

Meet the people behind the stewardship of Hawai‘i’s aquatic ecosystems.

Brian Neilson

Administrator

David Sakoda 3

Fisheries Management Branch

Edward Luna Kekoa

Ecosystem Management Branch

Kira Hughes

Mitigation, Aquaculture, Resiliency, and Restoration Branch

DAR Offices by Island

DAR offices provide in-person services and resources for the public, including permits, educational materials, and guidance on aquatic resource regulations. Visiting an office allows you to connect directly with knowledgeable staff who can help answer questions and direct you to the appropriate programs or services.

Kaua‘i Nui District Office

Heather Ylitalo-Ward 2

Aquatic Biologist

anonymous

Education Specialist

O‘ahu District Office

KimFuller 2

Aquatic Biologist

Charles Lee_3

Education Specialist

*Email address is provided for your convenience for informal requests of information only. Email will not be considered official correspondence. For any matter requiring an official reply, please send a letter addressed to the Administrator at the O’ahu District Office mailing address shown above.

Maui Nui District Office

Russell Sparks_2

Aquatic Biologist

Adam Wong 2

Education Specialist

West Hawai‘i Island District Office

Chris Teague

Aquatic Biologist

John Kahiapo 2

Education Specialist

Hali‘a Locke-Nascimento

Outreach & Education Facilitator

East Hawai‘i Island District Office

Ryan Okano 1

Aquatic Biologist

John Kahiapo 2

Education Specialist

anonymous

Outreach & Education Facilitator