New Refuge Manager Arrives for Kauai Refuges

A rare exchange of positions is bringing a new refuge manager to lead the Kauai National Wildlife Refuge Complex this week. Michael Hawkes, a 25-year veteran with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, arrives on Kauai on Wednesday to replace former Refuge Manager Tom Alexander. In exchange, Alexander will replace Hawkes as the refuge manager at Cibola National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona.

"When I heard Tom wanted to return to the mainland to be closer to his family, I jumped at the opportunity to come to Kauai," Hawkes said. "My wife and I visited the islands on our honeymoon, and like many others, fell in love with them. I truly look forward to playing a role in protecting Kauai