Koa Matsuoka

In my early days, I grew up on the island of Lānaʻi then moved to Papakōlea Homestead on Oʻahu where I currently reside. I spent multiple field seasons in Papahānaumokākea working with monk seals on Kapou (Lisianski), Manawai (Pearl and Hermes), Kuaihelani (Midway) and Lalo (French Frigate Shoals). I did field jobs in Hawaiʻi and Alaska with the National Park Service, NOAA National Marine Mammal Laboratory, U.S. Geological Survey and Oʻahu Army Natural Resource Program working with endangered plants, forests birds, and pinnipeds. More recently, I worked for the San Diego Zoo Global coordinating field logistics for the endangered palila release and assisted with the kiwikiu and ʻalalā releases. I transferred over from the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife where I was working on Habitat Conservation Plans, Safe Harbor Agreements, and listed species consultations. Outside of work, I enjoy backpacking, diving (spearfishing), fishing, photography, dog parks and playing Hawaiian music.