Rob Parsons Re-Appointed Environmental Coordinator for Maui

Environmental advocate, Rob Parsons returns to his old post as Environmental Coordinator for the County of Maui. Parsons became the county’s first person to hold the position under the former Arakawa Administration.  His re-appointment to the post was announced today by Mayor-Elect Alan Arakawa who officially takes office on January 2, 2011.

Rob Parsons. Courtesy Photo.

In his past term as Environmental Coordinator, Parsons is credited with initiating the Pump Don’t Dump program for Ma’alaea boaters and assisted with the coastal acquisition of 277 acres at Waihee and 73 acres at Muole’a Point in Hana.  The Arakawa Transition team also credits Parsons with starting hands-on wetland restoration efforts at Laie in Central Kihei, and helping with a rapid response effort to fight the gall wasp infestation on Maui.

During the two-year absence of a state-approved metal recycling facility on island, Parsons helped in the implementation of a weekend Appliance Recycle event that moved 55 shipping containers off island for processing on Oahu.

For the past four years, Parsons worked with Food & Water Watch, a national consumer advocate group.  He served as the Hawaii Liaison on Open Ocean Aquaculture issues.  He also served as a member of the Maui County Renewable Energy Alliance, focusing on carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions.

Upon making the appointment today, Mayor-Elect Arakawa said, “Rob’s excellent people and communication skills, his ability to work with diverse groups and organizations, and passion to helping set environmental goals and making sure that those goals are met were key factors in my re-appointing Rob to this key position.”

(Posted by Wendy Osher; supporting information courtesy Arakawa Transition Team)