A Big Aloha To Our Newest Hawaii Staff

I am pleased as punch to welcome brand new talent to my team. Kara Osada joins the Coral Reef Alliance Conservation Programs as our new Kona Field Representative. And by the look of that smile, she's pleased as punch to join us. Kara will be working closely with CORAL Hawaii Field Manager Liz Foote in implementing our rapidly growing Hawaii project.

Originally from Colorado, Kara has had a lifetime passion for the ocean that was nurtured by trips to the Atlantic, Pacific, and the Caribbean throughout her childhood. Kara moved to Hawaii in 1999 to pursue higher education at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. She graduated in 2004 with her undergraduate degree double majoring in Biology, in a conservation and ecology track, and Marine Science. Kara's education continues as she is now working on finishing her masters in Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Sciences with work on zooplankton species that form the foundation for manta rays diets.

Kara's will be working part-time on our Kona-based coral reef conservation project. We are working to increase marine protected area management effectiveness by developing voluntary marine recreation standards and a code of conduct for Kailua-Kona tourism operators. Her other jobs include work with the Hawaii State Division of Aquatic Resources where she helps with research dives along the Kona Coast; as scientist on island for Reef Check; Divemaster at Jack's Diving Locker; NOAA scientific diver; and running her own business in CPR, First Aid and Oxygen certification classes. With her combined knowledge and background, Kara cannot wait to dive into her new position as CORAL’s Field Representative in Kona on the Island of Hawaii. And I can't wait to work with her.

Welcome, Kara!