Talk Story with Amy Hodges

 

Amy Hodges is the Executive Director of MNMRC and has been a part of the organization for 12 years. Here, Amy shares how she got her start in conservation and the impact MNRMC is making in Maui’s community.

What drew you to the environmental space?

I grew up in Maine and went on to study biology and art at Bowdoin College. I have always felt a deep connection to the ocean and the program included a focus on coastal studies and marine biology, which was perfect for me. As a kid, I was constantly exploring Maine’s tidepools and rocky beaches. I developed a real interest in wildlife biology as well and at one time worked with a mobile vet service where we visited Maine’s islands via boat to care for local pets. I’ve recently completed my graduate studies in fish, wildlife, and conservation biology at Colorado State University and I look forward to putting these new skills to work for Maui.

How did you first become connected with MNMRC?

A good friend of mine in college grew up on the big island and after working there one summer I knew Hawai‘i was where I wanted to live. I eventually made the move to Maui a few years later and started working in a veterinary clinic here. I was also volunteering across the island with different conservation groups whenever I had the chance. One night, I was helping with a sea turtle nest watch, and through word of mouth, heard of a job opening at MNMRC. As they say, the rest is history. I’ve now been part of the organization for 12 years, which is really special.

Tell us about a current project that excites you.

Our community-based coral restoration work is really inspiring. It’s a first for Maui and we are so proud to partner with Kuleana Coral Restoration on Oʻahu to bring this important work to our island. We have identified 8 potential sites that have the right habitat, depth and surrounding coral communities to support new coral growth. What I love most is the hands-on aspect of this work – locating optimal sites and then planting the baby corals where there is potential for them to thrive. With these direct coral interventions, we’re giving the coral a chance to survive and hopefully really thrive again while also creating new fish habitat. It’s a great example of using an innovative approach to support the health of our local coral reef ecosystems.

What impact is MNMRC making within the local community?

We work with a wide range of organizations and partners to bring our projects to fruition. I like to think we connect the dots so to speak, and bring people together to address and support needs that impact our community and our local ecosystems. We are an open-minded and naturally curious group and we love saying that we’ll try. Being a smaller team, we also have greater flexibility than maybe a larger organization, which allows us to turn around grant funding quickly, for example, or address an immediate need that arises.

One great example of our community work is our reef-friendly landscaping program led by MNMRC Program Director Jill Wirt. We are currently partnering with Soil Thrive and Maui Gold Pineapple Company on a 1-acre test plot of pineapple as part of this program, where we are using regenerative practices including a compost tea brewer to amend the soil. Our goal is to find organic alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and assist land managers in this transition. As a result, we see healthier soil, a reduction in polluted runoff and a healthier island.

I am really proud of MNMRC’s solutions-based work focused on ensuring a healthy coral reef, clean ocean water, and abundant native fish. If we all share a common vision of creating a more sustainable future with intention, we can make a bigger impact. Here in Hawaiʻi, we see how everything is connected.

Is there something you wish more people knew about the current state of conservation?

There is an urgency now that wasn’t felt in the field even just twenty years ago. We are in a run, not walk situation at this point and we’re projecting major changes within the next few decades. The good news is that with the right policies and protections in place in combination with community support and funding availability, we can still make a big impact. But it takes everyone coming together to make it happen. I appreciate the can-do spirit of the community on Maui and our local partners for being willing to try new approaches with us.

 

What are your favorite local spots on Maui?

My favorite restaurant is definitely Tiffany’s–especially their Happy Hour saimin combo. I also love the Waihe’e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge to walk and explore.

What would you like to say to the donors and supporters of MNMRC?

I want them to know how much I appreciate them sticking with us as we’ve grown as an organization. All the work we have done in the last 17 years is because of the people who were willing to stay the course. MNMRC’s accomplishments are really their accomplishments and I am thankful for each and every person who has committed to being in it with us for Maui and for the long haul.