News Release

Park Ecologist Earns National Park Service Director’s Award for Natural Resource Management

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Ecologist Stacey Torigoe stands next to a blooming ōhā kēpau (Clermontia hawaiiensis)

NPS Photo/J.Ferracane

News Release Date: September 17, 2026
Contact: HAVO Public Affairs

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Ecologist Stacey Kehaulani Torigoe will receive the prestigious National Park Service 2026 Director’s Award for Natural Resource Management. The Director’s Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of National Park Service staff in understanding, protecting, and managing natural and cultural resources in and around national parks. 

Torigoe directs invasive species and biosecurity programs for the 354,461-acre park, leading efforts to manage nearly 100 non-native, invasive plant species that threaten native ecosystems. Torigoe and her team are the first line of defense for native plants and animals across extraordinary terrain that stretches from sea level to the 13,681-foot summit of Mauna Loa.  

This year, Torigoe and her team removed 308,066 invasive plants and prevented dozens more from establishing in the park. They targeted faya trees, fountain grass, bleeding heart, African tulip and other invasive plants that can alter soil chemistry and overtake native forests. The team also helped stop the spread of destructive insects including little fire ants. 

“Stacey tackles the complicated stewardship challenges we face in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with effective, practical action,” said Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh. “She and her team continue to protect Hawaiian ecosystems and keep critical biosecurity operations going when they could easily be disrupted. They are making a real difference for the resources we are trusted to protect.”  

Torigoe provides resource protection leadership to parks across the Pacific Islands and serves as vice chair of the Natural Resource Advisory Committee for the Pacific West Region. Born and raised in Hilo, she graduated from Waiākea High School and earned degrees from Westmont College and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.  

She will be formally awarded in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on September 22. 

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About the National Park Service. The National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.  

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