HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL-INT-2023-005424 06.20.23 AECOS, INC. SOQ CAT PL.2, PL.13Araujo, Jaclyn
From: Ann Mello <amello@aecos.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2023 7:52 AM
To:Planning Internet Mail
Subject: professional services
Attachments: AECOS Qualification submittal to Planning department.pdf
Aloha
We are interested in qualifying for professional services for Botany, Wildlife Biology, and other environmental services.
Please see our letter of interest and statement of qualifications submittal, attached.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Ann Mello
AECOS, Inc.
45-939 Kamehameha Hwy#104
Kaneohe HI96744
808)234-7770
1
AECOS, Inc.
45-939 Kamehameha Hwy, Suite 104
Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Phone: (808) 234-7770 Fax: (808) 234-7775
Email: aecosCa)aecos.com
June 20, 2023
Planning Director, County of Hawaii
nlanningPhawaiicoun ov
ATTN: Mr. Zendo Kern
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: Professional Services Qualifications for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024
Dear Mr. Kern;
AECOS Inc. would like to take this opportunity to submit our qualifications for professional
services to the County of Hawaii. AECOS performs terrestrial, stream, and marine
flora/fauna and water quality surveys. AECOS also performs jurisdictional water
determinations and provides biological monitoring, water quality monitoring, and
laboratory services. The following itemized list corresponds to the numbered items in your
Notice to Providers of Professional Services.
1) AECOS, Inc.
45-939 Kamehameha Hwy., #104
Kaneohe, HI 96744
There are no other office locations, however a few biologists work from home on
0`ahu and Hawaii island.
Contact: Susan Burr
sburr@aecos.com
2) AECOS was established in 1971 and is 52 years old. The average number of
employees over the last five years is 20.
3) Resumes of these key employees are included in the attached statement of
qualifications:
Planning Director
Department of Planning, County of Hawaii
January 19, 2023
Page 2 of 3
Eric Guinther. Ecologist, BA in biology, over 48 years of experience designing,
implementing biological surveys.
Susan Burr, Environmental Scientist, BA in biology and MS in marine resources
management; over 25 years of experience in the environmental field.
Reginald David. Project Manager,vertebrate biologist; over 40 years in avian and
mammalian surveys.
Stacey Kilarski, Marine Resource Specialist, BA in biology and MS in marine resource
management; over 13 years of experience in marine surveys.
Bryson Luke, Biologist, BS in Natural Resources and Environmental Management;
over 5 years of experience in biological surveys with AECOS, Inc. and additional
experience with his prior employers.
4) A list of recent projects with brief project descriptions as well as additional client
contact information can be found in the statement of qualifications. Listed here are
a few that pertain to botany and wildlife biology:
Ongoing. Avian Monitoring, Predator Control, and Reporting for the Kealakehe
WWTP. Contracted by County of Hawaii. AECOS No. 1627.
2022-2023 Biological monitoring for threatened and endangered birds and seabirds
at Punaluu during construction activity. Contracted by ICF Stokes. AECOS No.
1402.
2020. Faunal survey for the proposed Circuit Hawaii Raceway Park, Kapolei,
O`ahu, Hawaii. Prep. for HHF Planners, Inc., AECOS No.1619.
2020. Natural Resource Assessment for Kapolei Parkway Lots, Ewa, Oahu,
Hawai`i. Prep. for the Kobayashi Group, LLC.,AECOS No. 1614.
2019. Marine Mammal Observation/Monitoring. Contracted by Sound and Sea
Technology. AECOS No. 1399.
2018.Endangered Species Act Monitoring at Hilea Gulch and Nanole Gulch Repair
Project, Ka`u District, Hawai`i. Prep. for Hawaiian Dredging and Construction
Co.,AECOS No. 1564
2018. Hanalei Bridge Biomonitoring, Hanalei, Kaua`i. Prep. for Hawaiian
Dredging and Construction Co.,AECOS 1570.
List of clients that can be contacted:
RM Towill Corp., Brian Takeda, BrianTPrmtowill.com. (808)842-1133
Wilson Okamoto, Keola Cheng, KChengPwilsonokamoto.com. (808)946-
2277
Planning Director
Department of Planning, County of Hawaii
January 19, 2023
Page 2 of 3
EKNA Services, Inc., Brian Ishii, BIshiiPeknahawaii.com. (808)591-8553
HHF Planners, Scott Ezer, SEzerPhff.com. (808)457-3158
G70,Jeff Overton, leffPg70At gn. (808)523-5866
5) A statement of qualifications with brief project descriptions and key employee
resumes along with a company brochure is being submitted with this letter via
email. A certificate of insurance is also included in this email.
AECOS looks forward to working with the County of Hawaii. Any questions or comments
regarding these submitted documents should be addressed to Susan Burr at
sburrPaecos.com or via phone at cell (808)722-4145.
Sincerely,
k3k?YM-
Susan Burr
President
STATEMENT OF
QUALIFICATIONS
AECOS, Inc.
45-939 Kamehameha Hwy., Ste. 104
Kane'ohe, Hawaii 96744
Phone: (808) 234-7770
Fax: (808)234-7775
e-mail: aecosgaecos.com
www.aecos.com
June 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
INTRODUCTION TO AECOS 2
RECENT PROJECTS 3
PERSONNEL 11
RESUMES 12
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page i
INTRODUCTION TO AECOS
AECOS, Inc. is a small, Hawaii-based business providing environmental consulting and
analytical laboratory services to government, industry, commercial, and private clients
throughout the Pacific Basin. We offer a variety of services, with special emphasis in
ecology, aquatic sciences, and water quality. Established in Hawaii in 1971, our
company's dedication to excellence has produced a reputation for quality and integrity for
50 years.
Our services include, and are not limited to, the following:
Ecological Assessments Analytical Chemistry
Biological Stream Surveys Toxicity Testing
Marine Surveys Environmental Permitting
Wetland OHWM Delineations Environmental Impact Assessment
Natural Resource Inventories Essential Fish Habitat Assessment
Water Quality Studies Biological Evaluation
In our 50 years, AECOS has prepared over 1500 technical reports for clients, mostly in
Hawaii but also covering work on numerous Pacific Islands, and as far west as Japan. Our
staff includes biologists, ecologists, water quality specialists, chemists, microbiologists,
oceanographers, database specialists, and technicians. AECOS scientists have extensive
knowledge of terrestrial,marine, and freshwater ecology throughout the Pacific area. This
collective expertise provides a multi-disciplinary capability for addressing a variety of
environmental issues and challenges faced by our clients.
AECOS maintains an extensive library of environmental reports, texts, and reference
collections of marine and aquatic flora and fauna. Networked computers with a variety of
database, spreadsheet, statistical, and word-processing software enable rapid data analysis
and timely submission of reports. Documents are prepared using Microsoft® Word for
WindowsTM. Data tables can be provided digitally in either Word or Microsoft® Excel
formats. AECOS maintains a home page on the World Wide Web(www.aecos.com)which
provides more information on our company,project experience,and various environmental
data, and as a community service,maintains links to other environmental sites of interest.
AECOS laboratory annually participates in EPA certified provider water pollution and
water supply performance evaluation samples for the analyses we do in-house. Our
microbiology laboratory is Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) certified for drinking
water analyses. AECOS is an accepted laboratory for Underground Inj ection Control(UIC)
sampling and analyses and is accepted by HDOH Clean Water Branch as qualified
samplers for 401 WQC monitoring programs.
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 2
RECENT AECOS,INC. PROJECTS
Flora/Fauna,Water Quality, Stream & Marine Surveys
2014—present.New Kapalama Container Terminal Wharf and Dredging Project,
Essential Fish Habitat Assessment & Coral Transplantation, Honolulu Harbor,
Oahu, Hawaii. Department of Army File No. POH-2012-00081. AECOS No.
1354A-H. Daniel Lutz, Senior Project Manager, Moffatt & Nichol. (808) 533-7000. William
Makanui,HMP Engineer,DOT,Harbors Division,Special Projects Group,(808) 586-2525 (Office),
808)291-0356(cell)
Designed and conducted marine surveys (including benthic composition, coral size
frequency distribution macro-invertebrate density, and fish diversity, size, density
and biomass)to quantify marine resources in the proposed dredge and fill areas and
other areas that may be impacted indirectly. Supported NOAA-NMFS, USFWS,
and Department of Transportation consultations and consisted of a MSA, EFH
assessment, ESA Section 7 consultation, DA permit and amendment preparation,
coral transplantation plan, and implementation oflong-term monitoring.Long-term
monitoring was built into project scope. AECOS organized coordination and
communication among HDOT Harbors and planning team.
2012 — 2021. Pier 12 and 15 Improvements, Coral Transplantation, Honolulu
Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii. AECOS No. 1300A-H. Ben Ahakuelo, P.E., Construction
Manager,Yogi Kwong Engineers,LLC,(808)942-0001 Mel Travens,DOT,Harbors Division,(808)
586-2461 (Office),(808)291-0851 (Mobile)
Conducted surveys identifying and quantifying coral reef species for preparation of
an EA and to assist in developing project alternatives and selecting a design with
the least amount of impact to marine resources. Prepared a coral transplantation
plan and worked with commercial divers to transplant corals. A post construction
assessment was conducted immediately following completion of the project work
at each pier, and a one-, three-, and five- year postconstruction assessment of
transplanted corals was conducted. Long-term monitoring to evaluate success was
built into project scope.
2021. A natural resources assessment of two sites at the Ellison Onizuka Kona
International Airport, North Kona, Hawaii Island. AECOS No. 1671.
Landrum&Brown(513) 530-1271
The State of Hawaii,Department of Transportation,Airports Division is proposing
to make improvements on two sites that are currently undeveloped within the
airport footprint. The northern site is approximately 75 ac in size and the southern
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 3
site is approximately 33 ac. AECOS was tasked by Landrum & Brown with
conducting flora and fauna surveys and assessing critical habitat and jurisdictional
waters on the two sites for project permitting. Our report recommended appropriate
avoidance and minimization measures to avoid impacts to listed species, including
the endangered Blackburn's Sphinx Moth and threatened and endangered seabirds.
2021. Natural resources and functional assessment of Honouliuli Stream for the
Ewa Shaft Tunnel Improvements Project `Ewa, Oahu. Prep for RM Towill Corp.,
AECOS No. 1557b.
Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) proposes to use the `Ewa shaft irrigation
system for a potable water supply. BWS consulted with the Honolulu District(HD)
of the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers(USACE)in 2018 and the USACE determined
a "functional assessment" of Honouliuli Stream would be required as part of the
permit application. The purpose of a functional assessment is to allow the USACE
and federal resource agencies to compare current conditions in Honouliuli Stream
with anticipated functions and values of the stream after the Project has been
completed. In 2019, AECOS was contracted by R. M. Towill Corporation to
conduct water quality and biological surveys, delineate the CWA jurisdictional
limits or ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of Honouliuli Stream in the Project
area and conduct a functional assessment of the stream. In 2020, the Project area
was expanded both up and downstream along Honouliuli Gulch and AECOS was
contracted to extend the scope of the initial.The results of the survey and functional
assessment will be used by USACE to make permitting decisions.
2020. Kamehameha Highway Resurfacing and Widening Project, Wahiawa,
Hawai`i. Prep. for EKNA Services,Inc.,AECOS No. 1621.
HDOT-Highways Division, together with the Federal Highways Administration,
are preparing to repave and widen approximately 11.5 miles of Kamehameha
Highway and portions of Kamananui Road and Wilikina Drive.AECOS, Inc. was
contracted by EKNA Services, Inc. to conduct a natural resources survey of the
project site along the length of the Project, including staging areas, to identify
presence/absence and potential impacts to federal and state ESA-listed threatened
and endangered species. AECOS prepared a report of findings to be submitted to
USFWS.
2020. Faunal survey for the proposed Circuit Hawaii Raceway Park, Kapolei,
Oahu,Hawaii. Prep. for Helber Hastert& Fee Planners,Inc.,AECOS 1619.
Build The Track, LLC. proposes to construct "Circuit Hawaii Raceway Park" in
Campbell Industrial Park, Kapolei, Oahu.AECOS, Inc. was contracted to survey
fauna for the subject property by HHF Planners in support of the environmental
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 4
planning and permitting efforts for the Project.AECOS biologists used avian point-
counts, time-dependent waterbird counts, and pedestrian transects through the
property to determine if any fauna of concern, including listed threatened or
endangered under federal or state ESA statutes occur on the Project site. AECOS
prepared a report of findings to be included in a Conditional Use Permit application
with the Hawaii Department of Planning and Permitting.
2020. Natural Resource Assessment for Kapolei Parkway Lots, Ewa, Oahu,
Hawai`i. Prep. for the Kobayashi Group,LLC.,AECOS No. 1614.
The Kobayashi Group propose to construct an apartment complex at three lots of
an undeveloped parcel along Kapolei Parkway.AECOS,Inc. conducted preliminary
survey of flora and fauna at the parcel to determine if any species of concern,
including listed threatened or endangered under federal or state ESA statutes,occur
on the Project site.
2020. Environmental surveys for Koa Ridge community development in Mililani,
Oahu,Hawaii. Prep. for Engineering Concepts Inc.,AECOS 1186i.
Castle & Cooke are developing former agricultural land in central Oahu into a
residential community at Koa Ridge in Mililani. Development of Koa Ridge
includes construction of several storm water drainage systems that will discharge
into nearby Kipapa Gulch via offsite drain lines.AECOS most recently conducted
biological surveys, CWA federal jurisdictional waters surveys, and prepared and
implemented AMAPs for CWA Sec. 401 permitting for a storm drain for the
Project. AECOS has conducted environmental surveys and reporting for the Koa
Ridge Project effort since 2008. Biological surveys include a survey for aquatic
species and riparian flora and fauna.
2020. Marine biological and water quality surveys for Kalaeloa Fuel Pier &
Terminal Improvements,Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor, Oahu,Hawaii. Prep.for
Belt Collins Hawaii,AECOS No. 1546.
DOT-Harbors Division proposes to improve portions of Kalaeloa Barbers Point
Harbor to improve function and capacity for liquid-bulk (i.e., petroleum products,
biofuels and asphalt) and dry-bulk (i.e., coal, cement, sand and aggregate) cargo.
The purpose of the Proj ect is to increase capacity,flexibility and reduce congestion.
AECOS was contracted by Belt Collins Hawaii to conduct marine surveys at the
Project to support the EIS development. Surveys included water quality
assessments and marine SCUBA transects along the sea floor to identify species
and quantify habitat. AECOS prepared a report to support Project preparation of
Essential Fish Habitat Assessment and a Biological Evaluation.
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 5
2020.Natural resources assessment of an unnamed tributary to Kahauiki Stream for
a project to replace a water line at Fort Shafter Flats, Honolulu, Island of Oahu.
Prep. For R.M. Towill,AECOS No. 1615.
The Department of Army proposes to replace a water line across a stream at Fort
Shafter, Oahu. AECOS, Inc. conducted surveys of the biological flora/fauna
resources at the site, assessed water quality, and delineated the extent of federal
jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. Results of the surveys support the permitting
process for the Project, and include compliance with Sec. 10 of the Rivers and
Harbors Act, as well as Clean Water Act Sec. 402 NPDES, Sec. 404 permitting,
and Sec. 401 water quality certifications. To delineate the federal jurisdictional
limits of Waters of the U.S.,AECOS biologists marked stream ordinary high water
mark, measured tidal shift to determine mean higher high water, and evaluated soil
pits to determine the presence/absence of adjacent wetlands.
2019. Natural resources survey for the Waihe`e Riparian Learning Center in
Kahulu`u, Ko`olau Poko District, O`ahu. Prep.for G70,AECOS No. 1559.
The City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply proposes to create the
Waihe`e Riparian Learning Center" in Waihe`e Valley, Oahu. to educate the
public about the importance of streams, watersheds, and regenerative agriculture.
AECOS Inc., was contracted by G70 to complete a natural resources survey and
assess potential environmental impacts from the proposed Project. Surveys
included an assessment of water quality,and fauna surveys which included in-water
snorkel surveys at several reaches of Waihe`e Stream at the Project site.
2019.Daniel K.Inouye International Airport Taxiway A Improvements at Manuwai
and Kumumau`u Canal. Prep. For Jacobs Engineering Group — C142M,AECOS
No. 1590.
HDOT-Airports proposes to reconstruct Taxiway A at the Daniel K. Inouye
International Airport. Project work includes improvements in- and adjacent-to
Manuwai Canal and Kaloaloa Canal.AECOS, Inc. was contracted by JACOBS to
conduct natural resource surveys at the canals to identify species of concern and
characterize water quality at the canals. AECOS also delineated boundaries of
federal jurisdictional waters at Manuwai Canal and identify wetland function.Work
supports CWA Sec. 401 WQC, 402 NPDES, and 404 permitting for the Project, as
well as Sec. 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act.
2019.A natural resources assessment of Maunawai Canal and Kaloaloa Canal for
Taxiway A reconstruction at Daniel K.Inouye International Airport.AECOS No.
1590. Jacobs (808) 772-3606
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 6
The Hawaii Department of Transportation proposed to reconstruct Taxiway A at
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport; project components included construction of a
structure over Manuwai Canal, removal and replacement of a culvert and headwall in
Kaloaloa Canal, and regrading the infield area west of Manuwai Canal. AECOS was
tasked by Jacobs with assessing the extent of"waters of the US," water quality in the
two canals, sediment toxics in Manuwai Cana, flora and fauna, functions and values of
Manuwai wetland. Results of our surveys and impact analysis were used for the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and the Hawaii Environmental
Policy Act(HEPA)process and Clean Water Act(CWA)permitting program.
2018 — 2019. Environmental surveys and jurisdictional delineation of waters of the
U.S.for the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements project at Sand
Island, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. AECOS No. 1516A-B. Brian Takeda,Planning Project
Manager,R.M.Towill Corporation.(808) 842-1133.
Conducted terrestrial and marine biological surveys, water quality analyses, and a
jurisdictional waters determination and delineation at the Sand Island Wastewater
Treatment Plant to support the design of and permitting for proposed upgrades to the
plant. Terrestrial surveys included botanical, avian, and mammals and biologists
assessed project impacts upon endangered birds and those protected under the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Marine surveys (including benthic composition,
coral size frequency distribution macro-invertebrate density, and fish diversity, size,
density and biomass) quantified marine resources in the direct and indirect impact
areas. Our water quality analysis assessed construction-related impacts and suggested
management measures to reduce impacts. We conducted a jurisdictional determination
and delineation of surface waters, including a tidally-influenced drainage ditch and
areas with ponded water. Our survey report supported NOAA-NMFS, USFWS, and
CCH consultations, including, EFHA, ESA Section 7, and a DA permit. Each member
of the AECOS team assigned to this project brought specialized expertise, including
that in marine biology,wetland sciences,botany, and ornithology,allowing us to utilize
local specialists and conduct the surveys at a competitive cost. In-water work in
Honolulu Harbor requires advanced coordination with the Harbor Master and harbor
tenants, scheduling around cruise ship and contain vessel arrivals and departures, and
awareness and flexibility to work around tug boats.
2018. Endangered Species Act Monitoring at Hdea Gulch and Ninole Gulch Repair
Project, Ka'a District, Hawai`i. Prep. for Hawaiian Dredging and Construction Co.,
AECOS No. 1564.
Hawaii Department of Transportation and Federal Highways plan to reconstruct Hilea
and Nnole Bridges along Mdmalahoa Highway on Hawaii Island. Hawaiian Dredging
Construction Co. (HDCC) contracted AECOS to conduct preliminary biological
surveys for Federal and State ESA-listed threatened and endangered species,F
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 7
specifically for Hawaiian Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus), Hawaiian Hawk
Buteo solitarius), Nine (Branta sandvicensis), listed waterbirds, and Blackburn's
sphinx moth (Manduca blackburni).
2018. Hanalei Bridge Biomonitoring, Hanalei, Kauai. Prep. for Hawaiian Dredging
and Construction Co.,AECOS 1570.
AECOS was contracted by HDCC to provide Endangered Species Act construction
monitoring guidance and training for several Hanalei Bridge repair projects along
Kuhio Highway. The endangered and threatened species covered include Hawaiian
seabirds, Hawaiian hoary bat, nini, waterbirds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seal
and sea turtle. AECOS provided on-site training, reference material, ESA BMPs and
site-specific guidelines, as well as performed initial preconstruction surveys for
waterbird and nini nesting.
2018. Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) Delineation for the Koukou`ai Bridge
ReplacementProject,Hana Maui. Prep.For Wilson Okamoto Corp.,AECOSNo.1537.
The County of Maui, Department of Public Works are preparing to conduct repairs to
the Koukou`ai Bridge on the Hana Highway.AECOS, Inc. was contracted by Wilson
Okamoto Corp. to delineate the OHWM of Koukou`ai Stream in the vicinity of the
Koukou`ai Bridge Repair Project.
2018. Waiahole Bridge Replacement Project. Wetland Delineation field assistance for
Hart Crowser,AECOS No. 1519.
AECOS was subcontracted by Hart Crowser, Inc. to provide wetland delineation
assistance for the Waidhole Bridge Replacement Project on Kalaniana`ole Highway.
AECOS provided field delineation guidance to Hart Crowser staff. Delineation work
was conducted to accommodate an extension of the Area of Potential Effect for the
Proj ect.
2017. Survey for Nine nesting activity and Blackburn's sphinx moth feeding activity in
the Lahaina Bypass Road project area. Prep.for Hawaiian Dredging and Construction
Co., and Wilson Okamoto Corp.,AECOS No. 1495.
AECOS biologist conducted a survey to establish whether or not nests of the
endangered Hawaiian goose or nini (Branta sandvicensis) were present in the
proposed Lahaina Bypass and whether any tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca)plants over
3 ft in height occur within the footprint of the grading plan for the Project.Tree tobacco
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 8
are a potential food source utilized by larvae of the endangered Blackburn's Sphinx
moth (Manduca blackburni).
2014— 2016. Applicable Monitoring and Assessment Plan (AMAP) for Clean Water
Act (CWA) Section 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) and construction
monitoring for Ma`alaea Small Boat Harbor. AECOS No. 1080. Richard Aoki,Project
Manager,HDCC.raoki@hdcc.com and Dickey H.Lee,HDLNR(808) 587-0280.
Prepared an AMAP and received approval by Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH)
to support CWA Section 401 WQC for repairs at Ma`alaea Small Boat Harbor.
Collected preconstruction, during construction, and post construction water quality
samples from June 2015 through February 2016, and submitted data to HDCC and
HDLNR (permittee), who then submitted them to HDOH to ensure the project was
completed in compliance with the WQC. AECOS has HDOH-qualified field samplers
who are skilled in collecting water samples and experienced in making field
measurements to fulfill CWA Section 401 WQC monitoring requirements. AECOS
laboratory director and staff worked closely with HDOH to modify required elements
of the AMAP to adapt to field conditions. With over 50 years of business in Hawaii,
AECOS has cultivated excellent relationships with state and federal natural resource
agencies and has successfully worked with most of the construction contractors doing
business in Hawaii.
2015. Biological surveys for the Mamalahoa Highway (Route 19) Widening Project,
Kamuela (Waimea)Island ofHawai`i. Prep. for RM Towill,AECOS 1434.
Biological surveys were conducted along Mamalahoa Highway (County Rte. 19) east
of Kamuela, South Kohala,Hawaii Island. The biological surveys identified sensitive
biological resources (flora, fauna, potential wetlands) located within or utilizing the
Mamalahoa Highway right-of-way.
2013—2015. Coral surveys and follow-up surveys for Honolulu Harbor molasses spill
damage assessment. AECOS No. 1369. David Gulko, Director, Hawaii Coral Restoration
Nursery HDLNR,(808) 587-0318.
Designed and conducted reconnaissance surveys and a census of coral resources from
the 2013 molasses spill in Honolulu Harbor. Supported HDLNR's impact assessment
of state resources in Honolulu Harbor, which resulted in a $15.4 million settlement
package. AECOS dive team was able to quickly mobilize and work with HDLNR to
conduct in-water surveys immediately after the molasses spill. Open lines of
communication and excellent coordination between HDLNR and the AECOS team
enabled a successful rapid assessment and data exchanges. Legal ramifications of the
project required a substantial amount of QA/QC and data storage. Due to the number
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 9
of photos,videos,and data collection,this project required significantly more oversight
and management than previous projects. AECOS biologists and management were
able to cooperatively work with HDLNR to quickly and thoroughly assess impacts and
maintain clear communications, expectations, and project needs. AECOS biologists
learned techniques to collect and store data such that they will be admissible evidence
for litigation. Our experience from this project led AECOS to apply for and obtain
American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS)certification for scientific diving
in 2020
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 10
PERSONNEL
AECOS employs a diverse staff of personnel who are highly experienced in designing and
implementing environmental studies and conducting analyses in support of such studies.
Personnel are cross trained in different fields. Key personnel are listed below. Brief
resumes of senior staff are provided on the following pages.
Name Title/Field of Expertise
Eric B. Guinther CEO, Ecologist, Botanist,Project Manager
Susan Burr President
Environmental Scientist, Project Manager
Ann Mello Secretary/Treasurer, Office Manager, Data
Technician
Dr. S. Allen Cattell Water Quality Specialist
Jessica Withrow Laboratory Manager, Biologist
Rachel Knapstein Microbiologist, Marine Biologist
Stacey Kilarski-Jacobson Marine Resource Management Specialist,
Marine Biologist
Reginald David Vertebrate Biologist, ESA Specialist
Bryson Luke Biologist
Carmen Hoyt Biologist
Kamryn Yoneshige Biologist
Gioconda Lopez Vargas Botanist
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page II
RESUMES OF KEY PERSONNEL
ERIC B. GUINTHER
Eric B. Guinther, AECOS CEO, is an ecologist/botanist and aquatic biologist with
over 4S years of experience conducting environmental studies throughout the
central Pacific Basin. His responsibilities at AECOS include corporate and project
management, as well as the production of environmental survey reports, water
quality assessments, and plant and animal identifications. Mr. Guinther does the
final QA review of all AECOS reports prior to sending to clients. His educational
background encompasses geology and botany in addition to his major area of
study in invertebrate zoology. In recent years, Mr. Guinther has been involved
mostly with conducting surveys assessing the distribution of aquatic biota,
conducting plant surveys to document potentially sensitive species (native or
listed species),and interpreting water quality data to assess the impact of projects
on the natural environment.
Mr. Guinther has conducted marine,terrestrial,and coastal zone surveys forAECOS
throughout the Hawaiian Islands and in other parts of the western and central
Pacific, including Guam, American Samoa, Kwajalein Atoll, Canton Atoll, Fanning
Atoll, Christmas Island, Yap, Saipan, Tinian, Palau, and Japan. He has completed
numerous terrestrial botanical resource and aquatic resource (streams and
wetlands) surveys in the Hawaiian Islands.
Recent projects underway or completed include numerous botanical surveys for
private and public clients on Lanai, Maui, Hawaii, Oahu, and Kauai. He was a
technical advisor to the TMDL studies for Kawa, Kaneohe, and Waikele streams
funded by the State of Hawaii, Dept. of Health, and is recently served as botanist
for stream improvements under an Army Corps project involving Honolulu urban
stream (Manoa and Palolo streams) and an assessment of the impacts of invasive
plants on Kawai Nui Marsh on windward Oahu.
Mr. Guinther has completed the 40-hour basic health and safety training required
for hazardous waste workers under OSHA 1910.120 and continues to maintain his
certification through the annual refresher courses. He is also certified in Standard
First Aid, CPR/AED and Wilderness First Aid.
Mr. Guinther is an active participant at Na Pohaku o Hauwahine in Kailua, a
community project to restore native vegetation and marsh habitat in Kawai Nui
Marsh.
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 12
SUSAN BURR
Susan Burr, Environmental Scientist, is President ofAECOS and has over 25 years
of experience in the environmental field. Her responsibilities at AECOS include
project management, marine and freshwater biology, preparation of
environmental survey and assessment reports,and wetland delineations. Ms. Burr
has been project manager atAECOS for numerous environmental and water quality
studies throughout the Pacific area. Her project list includes projects in nearshore
coral reefs, deep-draft and small boat harbors, mangroves and coastal wetlands,
sandy beaches,perennial and intermittent streams,and various construction sites.
Ms. Burr received a B.A. degree in Biology in 1991 from Pomona College and a M.S.
degree in Marine Resources Management in 1993 from the College of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University. She has worked for the
Washington State Office of Marine Safety,Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands Division of Environmental Quality, Hawaii Department of Health
Environmental Planning Office, and has been with AECOS since 2001.
Recent projects Ms. Burr has managed while at AECOS include coral reef
monitoring for beach nourishment projects in Waikiki; assessment of marine
biotic resources for harbor development in Guam; wetland delineations for public
works and development projects; and stream surveys on 0`ahu, Kauai, Maui,
Molokai, and Hawaii. Ms. Burr is a member of the Society of Wetland Scientists,
Hawaii Association of Environmental Professionals, and The Wildlife Society
Hawaii Chapter.
Ms. Burr is currently certified for OSHA hazardous waste site worker (1910.120),
open water SCUBA, NITROX diving, first aid, CPR/AED, Wilderness First Aid,
oxygen administration for divers and she holds a transportation worker
identification credential (TWIC) for working in and around harbors.
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 13
REGINALD DAVID
Reginald David is biologist specializing in avian and mammalian fauna with over
40 years of experience conducting environmental studies throughout the central
Pacific Basin. He has worked with AECOS for over 30 years under his company,
Rana Biological Consulting, and started employment with AECOS as an integral
employee in February 2020. Mr. David is our senior biologist conducting
vertebrate surveys. He specializes in avian species with an emphasis on
endangered species. His responsibilities at AECOS include project management,
designing and implementing faunal surveys as well as the production of
environmental survey reports and fauna identification. Mr. David reviews faunal
reports from staff prior to final edits. His educational background includes
attending the University of Denver. His experience includes conducting faunal
studies for the USFWS, State of Hawaii DOFAW, and private entities on all of the
Hawaiian Islands.
Mr. David has conducted over 1000 terrestrial faunal surveys under Rana
Biological Consulting, many in collaboration with AECOS throughout the Hawaiian
Islands and in other parts of the western and central Pacific, Korea, eastern Siberia
and the western United States. He is the co-discoverer of a seabird new to science
which has been described as Bryan's Shearwater (Puf naus bryanii).
Mr. David has a good working knowledge of USFWS, State of Hawaii, and the
Federal Department of Transportation environmental laws and regulations. He is
experienced in preparing biological assessments (BAs) required under Section 7
of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and in negotiating mitigation under Section 7
and Section 10 of the ESA as well as under Hawaii State Statute 19SD. Mr. David
also has experience in preparing Natural Resource Management Plans (NRMP),
DOD Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans (INRMP), Habitat
Conservation Plans (HCP), and State of Hawaii Section 343 Environmental
Assessments. He has experience in writing faunal sections for NEPA and HEPA
documents.
Mr. David is certified in Standard First Aid, CPR/AED and Wilderness First Aid.
Mr. David has served on numerous boards and committees of agencies and private
NGO groups.
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 14
STACEY KILARSKI-JACOBSON
Stacey Kilarski is a Marine Resource Management Specialist/Marine Biologist with
AECOS and has has been with the firm since 2009. She has experience in the marine
resource management field in positions including Applied Scientist, Sustainable
Fisheries Support Associate, and Marine Biologist. She is experienced in SCUBA-
based coral reef surveys, knowledgeable in resilience concepts for incorporation
into monitoring protocols and strategies, and has an understanding and working
experience with marine and coastal management policies of the Pacific Islands
region. Her primary responsibilities at AECOS include: project coordination,
marine biological surveys and analysis, water quality surveys, and preparation of
environmental surveys, assessment reports, Biological Evaluations, Essential Fish
Habitat Assessments, coral transplantation and mitigation plans. She has
experience working with federal and state resource agencies on ESA Section 7 and
MSA consultations. Her project experience includes projects in nearshore coral
reefs, deep-draft and small boat harbors, mangroves and coastal wetlands, sandy
beaches, and various construction sites
Stacey received a B.A. degree in Natural Resources in 2002 from the University of
Michigan and a M.S. degree in Marine Resources Management in 2006 from the
Bren School of Environmental Science & Management from the University of
California. Before joining AECOS, Stacey was an Applied Scientist with The Nature
Conservancy's Global Marine Team. In this role, Stacey worked with international
teams and scientists in coral reef and fisheries management and conservation
initiatives. Specifically, she provided technical support to projects related to
marine protected areas (MPAs), coral reef resilience, climate change adaptation
strategies and socioeconomics of coral reef systems. Stacey also worked with
NOAA NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office of Sustainable Fisheries where she
consulted with Federal and state agency scientists and managers to draft
enforceable Federal regulations of fishery resources in the western Pacific region.
Stacey is currently certified for open water SCUBA, NITROX diving, first aid,
CPR/AED, oxygen administration for divers and she holds a transportation worker
identification credential (TWIC) for working in and around harbors.
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 15
Bryson Luke
Bryson Luke joined the AECOS team in 2017 and brings over 8 years of experience
in the environmental field. His work includes wetlands and jurisdictional waters
delineations for U.S. Army Corps permitting, water quality monitoring for Hawaii
Dept. of Health permitting, and numerous project work involving endangered
species conservation,biological surveys, and stream biology. His work experience
is centralized in Hawaii, but ranges as far west as Midway Atoll in the
Papahanaumokuakea National Monument, and as far east as Oklahoma.
Bryson contributes a variety of natural resource skills and local knowledge to
AECOS projects. His responsibilities include conducting reconnaissance surveys
for biological resources (flora/fauna) and identifying potential impacts to species
from project-related activities.Field surveys and reporting for aquatic resources
streams, wetlands) that involve examinations of water quality, USACE
jurisdictional determination, and biology. Preparation, planning, and execution of
project deliverables.
Bryson has experience with projects under his previous employer where he
worked with a team to delineate the jurisdictional extent of anchialine pools and
survey `bpae `ula and other biological resources at the Makalawena site. He also
procured Special Activity Permits (SAPS) from the Hawaii Dept. of Land and
Natural Resources (DLNR), Div. of Aquatic Resources (DAR) for the collection of
larval `o`opu in an ongoing evaluation of streams managed by Kamehameha
Schools. In his work with AECOS, Bryson has done jurisdictional waters
delineations, aquatic and terrestrial biota surveys, water quality monitoring, and
biological monitoring of endangered water birds.
Bryson graduated from Kamehameha High School Kapalama Campus in 2005, and
received a B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Management from the
University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2010. Bryson has training in hazardous waste
operations (HAZWOPER), first aid, CPR, basic helicopter safety, and work in
airport AOAs. He also holds a Maritime Security (MARSEC) badge and
Transportation Workers Identification Credentials (TWIC) card for working in and
around harbors.
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 16
ALLEN CATTELL
Dr. Allen Cattell is formally trained in oceanography and has 30-years experience
in water quality studies. His primary responsibilities at AECOS include senior
review, statistical analysis, and preparation of environmental survey and water
quality assessment reports. He has participated as a major contributor in
numerous water quality studies throughout the Pacific area including: Alaska,
British Columbia, California, Hawaii, Christmas Island, Johnston Island, Canton
Island, Fanning Island,American Samoa, Kwajalein, Palau, Guam, and Thailand.
Dr. Cattell received his B.S. degree in Biology in 1963 from the University of the
Pacific a M.S. degree in Marine Science in 196S from the University of the Pacific,
and a Ph.D. in Oceanography in 1969 from the University of British Columbia.
While at AECOS his consulting experience has included a wide variety of water
quality studies in Hawaii and throughout the Central and Western Pacific area,
including: the effects of disposal of thermal and sewage effluents and also dredge
spoils into aquatic environments; the effects of various land development and
watershed uses on the water quality of rivers, streams and coastal environments.
Dr. Cattell served as an original member of the Technical Committee on Water
Quality Standards for the State of Hawaii Department of Health and was
responsible for the development of the State's marine water quality standards.
AECOS, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Page 17
C'O4 Inc.
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AC" CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY INSURANCE
DATE`/30120YYYY'091301202211
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PRODUCER CONTACT Robert P-SilversteinNAME:
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