Neilson Appointed as DLNR Aquatics Division Administrator

Brian Neilson. PC: DLNR DAR

Brian Neilson has been appointed the next administrator of the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Nature Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR). Neilson has held a variety of staff and leadership positions with DAR. He has been acting DAR administrator since June of last year.

“Brian is the perfect choice to lead our protection and management efforts to preserve Hawai‘i’s unique and irreplaceable aquatic resources,” DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said. “As acting administrator, he’s proven his leadership ability and has quickly gained the confidence of his staff and DLNR leadership. Brian’s extensive experience in the field will be invaluable as the division aims to accomplish the goals of the 30 X 30 marine initiative.”

Under Gov. Ige’s Sustainable Hawai‘i Initiative, the state is committed to effectively managing 30% of Hawai‘i’s nearshore ocean waters by 2030, setting a unified target for marine practitioners grounded in science.

“I am humbled by this opportunity and appreciate the enormous responsibility that comes with this position,” Neilson said. “I’m confident in taking on such a role, in knowing that I will be working with a talented and passionate DAR team. We’re fortunate to work with so many dedicated citizens who are committed to sustaining our aquatic life and habitats for current and future generations. DAR is doing incredible work these days from mauka to makai, working in streams, estuaries, anchialine pools and reefs. I’m also excited to be working with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve common goals.”

Neilson has worked mauka to makai over the past 20 years in natural resources management. He started his DAR career as a technician on the Super Sucker Invasive Algae Project, where he spent hundreds of hours removing invasive algae and surveying reef health. He then moved on to lead the Aquatic Invasive Species Team as a DAR Biologist. He was promoted to Program Manager in 2017 and then his service as acting administrator.

He began his career in Oregon as a wildland firefighter and wilderness trail ranger before finding his true passion in fisheries management. He spent eight years in Alaska working as a fisheries technician and biologist. One year he spent five months at a remote Alaska field camp counting salmon as they migrated upstream to spawn. He returned home with countless bear and fish stories.

Neilson holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from Oregon State University focusing on fisheries science and management. He has a passion for surfing, diving, fishing, and cooking for family and friends.