KISC Staff & Crew
Tiffani Keanini, Project Manager: Tiffani began working for KISC in 2009, helping raise awareness to the Kauai community on the importance of invasive species prevention and control. In 2017, Tiffani became the new manager of KISC. Tiffani will continue to strengthen KISC as a project and a partner in the Kauai conservation community. tkeanini@hawaii.edu
Ray Kahaunaele, Field Operations Supervisor: Ray grew up in Anahola on the east side of Kauai and has seen the slow but steady displacement of native species by invasive plants and animals. Working at KISC has given him the opportunity to learn more about invasive species, their impacts on our island, and new technology to aid us in control and/or eradication of invasive species. Ray oversees all planning and logistics for field work and organizes partnership projects. rk30@hawaii.edu
Larry “Mugs” Kaneholani, Field Supervisor: Mugs has been with KISC since 2007. As the field supervisor, he enjoys working outdoors and helping keep Kauai true to its beauty. He supervises all field activities, working daily with the crew and interacting with the public and landowners.
Joe Aguon-Kona, Crew Leader: Joe has been with KISC since 2004 and knows every inch of this island, including the back-country. When he is not at work, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time with his ohana. Joe helps lead the crew with fieldwork activities.
Cleve Javier, Data Technician: Cleve Javier started working at KISC Since 2009 as a field natural resource technician. In 2013 he became the data technician in charge of KISC’s GIS and database. It’s a fancy way to say he makes reportable maps and does data entry. Cleve’s background is he worked as an Agricultural Technician for USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) branch for 6 years, before making the move to KISC. When Cleve is not working at KISC, he is a Coach at Aura’I Fitness on island. And for fun he trains for and does obstacle course races in his free time.
Haylin Chock, Outreach Specialist: Haylin Chock has recently been brought on as outreach coordinator with the KISC Ohana in December 2020. She was born and raised on Kauai and graduated with her B.A.S, focusing on sustainable community food systems from the University of Hawaii at West Oʻahu in 2018. After moving home in 2018, she has opportunities to work with various non-profits on Kauai, such as Mālama Kauai as the Mahi ʻai Program manager, Limahuli garden preserve (NTBG) as horticulture technician, and Mālama Huleʻia as team research specialist. “My time spent with these organizations allowed me to rebuild pilina with my ʻāina and community after being away from home. Now I hope to serve my community through conservation education here at KISC”.
Kim Rogers, ROD Outreach Specialist: Since moving to Kaua’i in 1999, Kim Steutermann Rogers has worked as a freelance journalist and photographer covering conservation science efforts across the state. She also serves as a docent for Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, monitors a large colony of Laysan albatross and wedge-tailed shearwater on private lands on the North Shore, surveys for botulism-diseased Koloa ducks at Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, responds to callouts on behalf of the Kauai Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation Hui and NOAA’s Marine Mammal Stranding Team, sits on the advisory board for NOAA’s Hawaii Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and has trained dogs for Kauai Search and Rescue. Now, in her capacity for outreach and response, she’s looking forward to directing her energies toward helping save Hawaii’s native ‘Ōhi’a trees from Rapid ‘Ōhi’a Death.
Erick Lux is a professional horticulturist and certified arborist with over 25 years experience in the nursery and landscaping business. Erick holds a BS in Biology with a Chemistry Minor from the University of Illinois, and an A.A. in Horticulture from Saddleback College. He is a Master Gardener, a CAN Certified Advanced Nursery Professional and is an ISA Certified Arborist. Erick is a plant enthusiast, with a love for botany—particularly Mediterranean and Tropical flora—that drives his passionate pursuit for environmental knowledge and advocacy. His love of nature extends far beyond the call of industry, and has taken him on explorations around the world, including adventures in Costa Rica, Peru, Australia and South Africa
KISC Committee
The Committee is made up of resource managers from the state, county, federal, and private organizations as well as individuals. Committee meeting are open to the public and public input is always encouraged and welcome.
KISC Executive Committee
The executive committee provides guidance to KISC and helps assure that the KISC Strategic Plan will be carried out by KISC staff and Crew. KISC Executive Committee consists of 3 seats. Past Committee Chair, Committee Chair, Committee Chair Elect. These voluntary positions are 1 year rotating positions with a 3 year commitment. For complete details on the Chair position, please view KISC Chair Description.
The Executive committee provides guidance in determining KISC target species and yearly goals.
Past Committee Chair – Seana Walsh, NTBG
Committee Chair – Roshan Manandhar, CTAHR
Committee Chair Elect – Open
Technical advisors- Adam Williams (DOFAW), Kelsey Brock (UH-PCSU), Tim Flynn (NTBG), John-Carl Watson (KMWP), Randy Bartlett (HISC).
