Samuel Gon III Appointed to Board of Land and Natural Resources

Samuel M. Gon III. Courtesy photo.

Governor David Ige announced the appointment of Samuel M. Gon III to the Board of Land and Natural Resources today.

Gon’s appointment follows the departure of Ulalia Woodside.

Gon is a senior scientist and cultural advisor at the Hawai‘i Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i, where he has worked for nearly 30 years.

He previously served as the director of science, and program coordinator for the Hawai‘i Nature Heritage Program.

In addition, Gon is an affiliate faculty member at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

A graduate of McKinley High School, Gon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Zoology from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in 1978. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Animal Behavior from the University of California, Davis in 1985.

“Sam has extensive knowledge of the Hawaiian culture and history, as well as research, teaching and administrative experience that will serve the board well as it works to manage, protect, conserve and manage our state’s unique resources. Sam will be a valuable member of the team,” said Gov. Ige.

“After two stimulating and satisfying terms on the Land Board, I learned so much, and I very much look forward to serving again in support of the protection and preservation of Hawai‘i’s unique and precious natural and cultural resources,” Gon said.

Gon has served two terms on the BLNR, from 2006 until 2014. He will serve the remainder of Woodside’s term which expires in June 2017. The Senate will decide whether to confirm Gon’s appointment to a full term when the Hawai‘i State Legislature reconvenes in early 2017.