PEPP Staff
Dr. Clifford Morden
PCSU Deputy Director,
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Cliff Morden has loved working with and growing plants since a child. Cliff completed his BS in 1978 and MS in 1980 from BYU, and his PhD in plant systematics in 1985 from Texas A&M University. He relocated to the Botany Department at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa in 1992 where he teaches courses on the native Hawaiian flora, conservation biology, and evolution. Cliff’s personal research examines the evolution of the Hawaiian flora from the population to genus level their biogeography where he and his students have studied many of the genera and species within the islands. While at UH, Cliff has served as Director of the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum (2005 to 2007) and was appointed the Deputy Director of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (2007 to present) which started his association with the Plant Extinction Prevention Program among other PCSU projects. Through this work, Cliff has developed a tremendous respect for the resources of Hawai‘i and the people that work so hard to protect them, and he feels blessed to be able to have spent his career contributing to these efforts. |
Steve Perlman
Statewide PEPP SpecialistKauai Plant Extinction Prevention Program
Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa |
Steve Perlman is often regarded as one of the world’s finest field botanists. He has been at the forefront of protecting Hawai‘i’s endangered species for over 40 years. Prior to joining PEPP in early 2014, Steve spent 36 years as a field botanist for the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kauaʻi where he pioneered techniques for botanizing and collecting plant material on sheer cliffs, especially those of the Hawaiian Islands. He still works with NTBG as a Research Associate on special projects. From the inception of PEPP, Steve has been a mentor and partner for our staff and helped guide and focus PEPP’s recovery and survey strategies. His work throughout the Hawaiian archipelago and the South Pacific led to the discovery of many unknown plant species and the rediscovery on many plants once thought to be extinct. Steve has been the subject of several films and print articles focusing on his work protecting endangered species, including a recent feature by The National Geographic. |
Scott Heintzman
Kauai PEPP CoordinatorKauai Plant Extinction Prevention Program
Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Susan Deans
Kauai PEPP TechnicianKauai Plant Extinction Prevention Program
Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Chelsea Ranan
Hawai‘i Island PEPP TechnicianHawaiʻi Island Plant Extinction Prevention Program
Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 19 East Kawili Street Hilo, HI, 96720 |
Scotty Heintzman joined the PEPP team in 2019 as Kauaʻi PEPP Coordinator. Along with his keen eye and passion for studying the Hawaiian flora “backyard style”, Scotty brings over a decade of experience in Hawaiian plant conservation to the PEPP program. Born and raised Makawao, Maui, Scotty honed his skills in the field as a crew member Maui Invasive Species Committee. After moving to Oʻahu to work for the Oʻahu Army Natural Resources Program, Scotty completed his BS in Geography at University of Hawaii Mānoa. Scotty contributed to OANRP’s management of threatened and endangered species for 11 years, all while scouring Oʻahu’s natural areas on the weekends, pulling out rare plant discoveries regularly. Scotty prioritizes collaboration and building relationships between conservation organizations, enabling KPEPP to work broadly on Kaua’i. His specialized skills include rappelling to never-before-accessed plant populations, delving into historical botanical manuscripts, and managing geospatial data. Susan Deans joined KPEPP as a field technician in 2020. Originally from North Carolina, Susan discovered her passion for botany and plant conservation as a conservation intern at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. After completing her BAs in Biology and Environmental Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Susan spent several years working in seasonal botany jobs in Alaska, Florida, and eventually at the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kaua’i. There, she fell in love with the Hawaiian flora and decided to devote her career to learning about and conserving it. She is also pursuing an MS in Plant Conservation and Biology at Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden, studying population genetics and pollination biology of endemic Hawaiian Hibiscus species.
Chelsea Ranan joined as a field technician with HIPEPP in 2023. Was born and raised in Hilo. Earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Hawaii at Hilo in 2017. She found her passion for native flora while working with various conservation agencies in 2019 and is excited to explore and expand her knowledge with the Hawaii Island PEP program.
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Currently VacantHawai‘i Island PEPP TechnicianHawaiʻi Island Plant Extinction Prevention Program
Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 19 East Kawili Street Hilo, HI, 96720 |
Hank Oppenheimer
Maui Nui PEPP CoordinatorMaui Nui Plant Extinction Prevention Program
Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa P.O. Box 909 Makawao, HI, 96768 Phone: (808) 357-2074 e-mail: henryo@hawaii.edu Zach Pezzillo
Maui Nui PEPP TechnicianMaui Nui Plant Extinction Prevention Program
Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa P.O. Box 909 Makawao, HI, 96768 |
Hank Oppenheimer has been the Maui Nui PEPP Coordinator since January 2006. For many years prior, he worked in the Puʻu Kukui Preserve, building fence, controlling ungulates, weeds, and rats as well as monitoring native tree snails, insects, birds, and vegetation, including rare plants. Over the course of a decade Hank and his co-workers built a 2- mile long boardwalk through the montane bogs of Mauna Kahalawai (aka West Maui), which gave him plenty of time to become familiar with this rare ecosystem. Hank also enjoys working everywhere from the coastal and strand zone, dry and mesic forests, up to the alpine region, and has done field work on islands. This background has prepared him well for his work with PEPP species. When the opportunity arose to focus his efforts on critically rare plants, he didn’t hesitate to jump on board Zach Pezzillo considers himself incredibly fortunate to have grown up on the island of Maui. His interest and enthusiasm for native plants and invertebrates began at a young age and he could often be found exploring the remote corners of the island in search of new subjects to identify. Zach left Maui in 2011 to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology in upstate NY. During college breaks he returned home and began volunteering with various conservation groups on Maui, continuing to learn and appreciate the issues facing many of our native species. After graduating Zach began pursuing a career in endangered species conservation here on Maui and became a KUPU intern with the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project. In 2017 Zach left to spend two winter seasons working and living on extremely remote Kure Atoll, in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, conducting habitat and wildlife recovery work. It was a truly extraordinary experience, cementing his commitment towards conservation work. After returning from Kure in 2019, he was hired on full time with the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project and worked on recovery efforts for the Maui Parrotbill until joining the PEPP crew in 2021. Zach is also a well regarded, award winning photographer and often uses his skills to promote awareness and appreciation of some of Maui’s most endangered native species.
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Ane Bakutis
Moloka‘i PEPP CoordinatorMoloka‘i Plant Extinction Prevention Program
Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa P.O. Box 698 Kaunakakai, HI, 96748 Phone: (808) 216-9229 e-mail: anebakutis@gmail.com Kawaila PurdyMoloka‘i PEPP Technician
Moloka‘i Plant Extinction Prevention Program
Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa P.O. Box 698 Kaunakakai, HI, 96748 Kristen Coelho
Moloka‘i PEPP TechnicianMoloka‘i Plant Extinction Prevention Program
Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa P.O. Box 698 Kaunakakai, HI, 96748 e-mail: klcoelho@hotmail.com |
Ane Bakutis is an accomplished botanist and restoration ecologist who joined PEPP in February 2005. She earned B.A. degrees in Botany and Hawaiian Studies, and an M.S. degree in Botany from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Upon completing her academic career, she decided to focus her professional career on endangered species conservation and restoration. Ane’s career started with The Nature Conservancy on O‘ahu where she helped manage the Honouliuli Preserve. She later became an endangered species recovery specialist at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park where she coordinated a large-scale Ka‘u Silversword restoration project (see article: Honolulu Advertiser. Silverswords being coaxed back from near oblivion, June 5, 2006). In 2005, she moved back to O‘ahu to serve as the O‘ahu PEPP Coordinator until 2008 when she became the founding Moloka‘i PEPP Coordinator. Kawaila Purdy joined the MoPEPP team in 2019 as a part-time Molokai PEPP technician. Originally from Kailua, Oahu, she resides on Molokai where her ʻohana is from. She has an AA is Natural Resource Management and is passionate about Hawaiiʻs native flora. She is also a homestead farmer. Kristen Coelho joined the MoPEPP team in 2011. A local to Moloka`i and accomplished hunter, her knowledge of Moloka`iʻs rough terrain is top notch. She has an Associate degree in technical science from Moloka`i College and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in natural resource management. |
Kobey Togikawa
O‘ahu PEPP TechnicianO‘ahu Plant Extinction Prevention Program
Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 2551 Waimano Home Rd, Rm 202 Pearl City, HI, 96782 e-mail: kobeyt@hawaii.edu |
Kobey Togikawa joined the PEPP team in 2014 as the O`ahu PEPP Technician. Born and raised in the islands, he was always fascinated by Hawai`i's unique natural history and is constantly learning and looks forward to protecting O`ahu's rare plants. He worked at the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden on Hawai`i Island where he learned valuable skills utilized in the field today. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in botany from the University of Hawai‘i and Mānoa, he worked briefly with the Kōkeʻe Resource Conservation Program on Kauai to control invasive species in the park. |
