ABOUT US
Predator Control for the Protection of Imperiled Species & Island Ecosystems
Hallux Ecosystem Restoration LLC is a locally owned and operated predator control company on the island of Kaua’i, Hawai’i. We are a team of invasive predator control experts, wildlife biologists, and NWCOA Certified Wildlife Control Operators, dedicated to the protection of native species and ecosystems, and the prevention of cruelty to animals. Our work focuses on the protection of threatened and endangered seabirds in both the remote mountainous wilderness areas and the coastal preserves of Kaua’i. We pride ourselves in developing and applying advanced methods and techniques to most effectively and efficiently manage and remove invasive predators, using a combination of best available science, years of experience, and traditional trapping knowledge.
Interested in our work?
Follow the link below to see current job openings
Hallux Ecosystem Restoration LLC is an Associate member of NWCOA, and is owned by a NWCOA Certified Wildlife Control Operator
MEET THE TEAM
KYLE PIAS, M.S.
Director of Operations & Co-Founder
NWCOA SinSE Certified Urban Sharpshooter
Kyle earned his B.S. in Environmental Science from Trinity College and his M.S. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida. His Master’s work focused on the foraging ecology of the endangered snail kite in Florida. Kyle has over 16 years of conservation experience on Kaua'i and over 20 years experience in wildlife research and conservation.
ALEX DUTCHER
Science Director, Co-Founder
NWCOA Wildlife Control Operator
NWCOA SinSE Certified Urban Sharpshooter
Alex holds a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and Management from Michigan State University. They have an extensive background in managing wildlife trapping for conservation research projects, specifically large carnivores and invasive mammalian species. Alex has over 10 years of predator control experience on Kaua'i and 16 years of experience in wildlife conservation and research.
SPENCER
Senior Managing Biologist
Spencer is the managing biologist with a focus on predator-proof fence management. He has been working in the field of invasive species management for the past 10 years. After earning his BA in Environmental Studies at DePaul University, he has worked on a variety of invasive plant management projects across the mid-west and east coast.
EMORY
Senior Associate Biologist
Emory Griffin-Noyes has worked to promote native species by removing invasive species (plant and animal), reforestation of native trees and establishment of critically endangered species. Emory has over 20 years of predator control and native plant restoration experience on Kaua'i. Emory is also a board member for Mālama Hulēʻia working to restore Alakoko fishpond.
KIM
Managing Biologist
Kim is the managing biologist for the Koke'e Air Force Seabird Mitigation Project and hails from the east coast, where she attended Rutgers University in New Jersey. At Rutgers she earned a BS in Environmental Science, and has over 7 years experience in conservation on Kaua'i.
KATIE
Research Biologist
Katie earned her Master's degree from San Jose State University, where she her thesis focuses on Western Gull foraging behavior and the potential impacts of the use of toxicant baits in a proposed rodent eradication project. Katie's work focuses on data analysis to inform and adapt our management programs.
ALIANA
Technology and Product Development Specialist
Aliana, Kaua'i born and raised, earned a B.A. in Anthropology from Haverford College. Since the age of 5 Ali has been a volunteer with the Nā Pali Coast ʻOhana to restore the cultural heritage site of Nu'alolo Kai. Ali also volunteers with Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana working on a path encompassing the entire island, connecting all of the twelve 'ili of Kanaloa-Kaho'olawe, as well as organizing clean-ups, and other revitalization and advocacy works.
HUNTER
Managing Biologist
Hunter was born and raised on the island of Kaua’i which has instilled a deep sense of kuleana to protect the native flora and fauna of the island that has raised him. Hunter is also a volunteer handler with Conservation Dogs of Hawai'i for a Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle detection dog, Brego.
.jpg)
KŪPONO
Managing Biologist
Kūpono is from Kaua'i and Oahu, and earned his B.S. in Psychology from Oregon State University. Kūpono began his career in conservation working in kalo lo'i, where he learned Hawaiian farming and sustainability practices. Kūpono has been a regular volunteer as part of an inter-agency conservation team conducting research and invasive plant management on Nihoa island in Papahānaumokuākea marine national monument where he applies both his cultural knowledge as well as his skills in conservation to mālama the island.
JB
Managing Biologist - Remote Infrastructure
JB was born and raised here on Kaua'i. Growing up spending so much time outside he has immense respect and appreciation for native species. JB has a broad set of skills ranging from computer science and data collection to native plant restoration and construction. JB managed the successful outplanting of over 7 acres of native species on northwest Kaua'i and currently manages our remote infrastructure construction projects.
LEAH
Managing Biologist
Leah earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Resource management at the University of Washington. Prior to joining the Hallux team Leah was a Kupu AmeriCorps intern at Kauai's National Wildlife Reserve Complex where she monitored wetland birds and seabirds, conducted invasive mammal control, and managed large volunteer groups.
KU'ULEI
Predator Control Specialist
Ku'ulei cut her teeth in the field as a KUPU team member where she gained experience working in all aspects of conservation on Kaua'i. From invasive species control and native plant restoration to loko i'a and lo'i work and public education Ku'ulei has experience on many conservation fronts. Growing up on Kaua'i and witnessing the changes and threats to the island ecosystems inspired her to pursue a career in natural resources.
TROY
Predator Control Specialist
Troy earned his Bachelor's in Environmental Sciences from University of South Carolina. Prior to working with Hallux, Troy spent his career working in land management and mitigation in both the public and private sectors. He also served as a USFWS Wildland Firefighter where he gained a variety of wilderness safety and wildfire management skills.
HAILEY
Predator Control Specialist
Hailey holds a B.S in Forestry with a concentration in Wildlife Management from Stephen F. Austin State University. Prior to joining the Hallux team Hailey worked in invasive species management for both the Kaua'i Seabird Recovery Project and Kaua'i Forest Bird Recovery Project.