Staff
Sonnet Kekilia Coggins
Executive Director
After completing a Masters degree in Education at the University of Virginia, Sonnet moved to France, then later completed a Master of Arts in French Language and Literatures, with a focus on cultural history and interpretation of historic sites. She worked with the Denver Art Museum, then the Williams College Museum of Art, where she co-curated The Field is the World: Williams, Hawaiʻi, and Material Histories in the Making. Sonnet has been with the Conservancy since 2018.
Nina Peláez
Associate Director for Story and Experience
Nina C. Peláez is a poet, educator, artist, and cultural producer. She has worked at several arts institutions developing collaborative programs, exhibitions, and interpretive projects that foster creativity, connection, and curiosity. Nina holds an MA in Art History from Williams College and an MFA in Poetry from Bennington College and is working on the manuscript for her first poetry collection.
Chuck Virtue
Development Manager & Administrative Coordinator
Chuck is from Palos Verdes, CA and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with degrees in International Business and Finance. After 8 years in Japan, he landed in Hawaii and worked in hospitality for over 20 years on the Big Island and Maui. He has been with the Conservancy in a part-time position since 2021.
Naki Kanekoa
Caretaker
Naki came to Maui from Reno, NV, in 2007 to pursue a degree from UH Maui. In 2020 he pivoted to conservation and ecotourism after 20 years in the service industry. A student of multiple cultural practices, father of two, and aspiring farmer Naki is the newest team member at The Merwin Conservancy.
Garden Team
Olin Erickson, MauiScapes, LLC
Arborist
Walter Schmid
Gardener
