matt mcdole

marine Debris Technician i

Hometown: Danville, California

Current Residence: Kaimukī, O’ahu (Moku of Kona, Ahupua’a of Waikīkī), Hawaiʻi

Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and Denver, Matt grew up swimming in local summer leagues. Since 2006 he has lived on O’ahu. He feels most content when sharing a day’s spearfish catch at an evening pa’ina with music and friends.. He has worked in solar, building management, and the DoD.  While working with the U.S. military, Matt became deeply concerned about the environmental and cultural damage that has been done to Hawaii’s ‘āina, wai, kai, and communities. He volunteers in conservation efforts such as coqui frog and angiopteris evecta removal. He also volunteers with the wa’a kaulua and voyaging community. He is honored to be part of this year’s PMDP cohort and looks forward to learning from everyone.