Edward ‘Luna’ Kekoa receives 2023 Outstanding Leadership Award for natural resource conservation

The Department of Land and Natural Resources awarded Edward “Luna” Kekoa with the 2023 Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance Outstanding Leadership Award for his contributions to community-based natural resource management and conservation in the state.

Kekoa was honored at the 30^th Annual Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference on Oʻahu.

Kekoa is the recreational fisheries program manager with the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources. His efforts include helping to coordinate the Holomua Marine Initiative, a comprehensive program that focuses on engaging and empowering communities in sustaining nearshore ocean resources. His influence in the conservation and ʻāina stewardship community in support of Hawai‘i’s native ecosystems is massive — and also is a window to his character.

“Luna leads with a unique blend of passion and humility for Hawaiʻi’s natural resources and its people,” said Dawn Chang, chair of the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources. “He brings a thoughtful approach to his work, drawing on culture and experience to engage communities. We’re lucky to have him at the department, and I think the state is lucky as well.”