The National Park Service has selected Rhonda Loh to serve as the permanent superintendent of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park starting Dec. 20, the NPS announced today.
Loh has been the acting park superintendent since April 2019. She replaces former Superintendent Cindy Orlando, who held the post since 2004.
“Throughout her 25-year career with the National Park Service, Rhonda has sought creative ways to build a positive working environment that fosters collaboration among staff and partners,” said Acting NPS Regional Director Linda D. Walker. “This experience provides her a solid foundation to help further the mission of the National Park Service in Hawaii.”
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park rises from sea level to an elevation of 13,677 feet and encompasses two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park includes seven ecological zones (coast, lowland, mid-elevation woodland, rainforest, upland forest, subalpine, and alpine) and is home to seven threatened species including the nene (Hawaiian goose), and 47 endangered species, including the honu‘ea (hawksbill turtle), ‘ua‘u (Hawaiian petrel), and the Ka‘u silversword.
“My family roots are in Hawaii, and I deeply appreciate the islands’ people and cultures,” said Loh. “I am honored to be selected for this position and remain committed to engaging with the local communities in stewardship of our public lands.”
Loh began her career in the park service as a volunteer in 1989 before landing her first permanent position as a biological technician at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
She later served as the park’s botanist and then chief of natural resource management. Loh also served as acting superintendent at other national parks across Hawaii including Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Haleakala National Park, Kaloko-Honokohau and Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Parks, and Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
Born in Hawaii, Loh spent her formative years growing up on Oahu and connecting with family on Hawaii Island where she enjoyed hiking and camping. She received her master’s degree in chemistry from Stanford University, and Ph.D. in botany from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established on Aug. 1, 1916 to protect, conserve, and study the volcanic landscapes and associated natural and cultural resources and processes on the island.
