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Who We Are

Who We Are

Ken StaplesI was born in Kahuku, on the North shore of Oahu where a love for the ocean was instilled in me at a young age. I spent just about every day swimming and body boarding at the beach just blocks from where I lived.

I was taught by many great Hawai’ian family friends the importance of respecting and taking care of the ocean and our environment. Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of wearing my dad's mask and exploring the magical underwater world and seeing all the amazing fish.  I participated in many beach cleanups with my family and community many of which were followed by us gathering for a Hukilau.

When I was still young we moved to the mainland, but that didn't keep me from the water. We moved to Wisconsin where I continued to enjoy the lakes and rivers, and engaged in as many water-related activities that I could. As a Boy Scout (I earned my Eagle rank), I took part in many service projects cleaning up the shorelines and promoting a clean environment.

As a family, we went back to Hawai’i every year for vacation which only increased my passion for the ocean and love for Hawai’i. I vowed at an early age to eventually return to the islands permanently.

After High School I studied Business at BYU and after graduating, moved to Portland, Oregon where I started my career in sales for a global Water Treatment company. I remained in that industry for 18 years selling and designing many different wastewater, storm water and drinking water systems using many different technologies ranging from filtration to Electro Coagulation.  Protecting the environment and providing solutions to water pollution has been very rewarding and satisfying.

In 2013, an opportunity to return to Hawai’i came my way which I immediately jumped on. I currently run the Hawai’i operations for a fortune 500 Distribution company. I live on the Southeast side of the island with my wife Cindy and two great kids Courtney and Trevor.

My passion for the water continues through surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. I’m also a certified pilot and aviation enthusiast, and avid mountain biker. I dive every weekend and enjoy exploring new dive sites all around the islands. I met Kurt last year on a cleanup dive and was fascinated by his story.

The ODA was exactly the organization I’ve been looking for. Its values, mission, and vision are perfectly in sync with who I am and what I believe. I’ve been actively involved since our first meeting and excited about our many opportunities here on the islands. My mission and goal are to promote and make the ODA a prominent and valuable asset to Hawai’i and all those that live here, come to visit and enjoy our beautiful ocean. I will use my influence and network to promote our mission and make a difference here that will spread to other locations as well.

advisor Ken Staples 1200wKen Staples underwater photographer