Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why & How Dr. Cliff Kapono Of REEF & MEGA Labs Is Helping To Change Our World
An Interview With Martita Mestey
I’m not really sure what I wish someone told me when I started because I still feel that I am in the infancy of what the MEGA lab will become. Everyday is new and special. It’s a great time to watch our vision grow and also to be able to really enjoy the work. I know it won’t always be this way so I’m doing my best to appreciate the struggles and small successes that we are experiencing.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Cliff Kapono.
Dr. Cliff Kapono is a professional surfer, chemist and journalist. Born on the eastern shores of Hawai‘i, his life involves equal parts science as it does surf. While contributing several peer-reviewed publications to the fields of molecular bioscience, he has also produced a handful award-winning films that discuss indigenous activism, ocean conservation, global food security and virtual reality.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I grew up in the ocean. Some of my earliest memories were heading down to the beach with my family. We would swim, catch food, and just play from sunup until sundown. The beach was our first home. Our house was our second. It pretty much felt like I lived in the ocean and slept on land.
You are currently leading a social impact organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
Currently, I have the honor of working with MEGA (multiscale environmental graphical analysis) lab, a next-generation research facility based in Hawaii that specializes in studying the marine realm. We develop innovative tools to protect and research coral reefs and nearshore marine habitats. Our advanced techniques allow for interpreting the chemical and geophysical characteristics that support healthy ecosystems — proving to the communities that need them most.
The MEGA lab is supported by a global consortium of scientists, athletes, brands and artists who use science as a way to improve our planet. Working with talented communities that have likeminded goals to help uplift ocean conservation is what inspires our team to set out on crucial missions.
In 2021, we partnered with iconic footwear and beach-loving brand, REEF, to begin mapping the most well-known surf break on the planet — The Banzai Pipeline. Notorious for its relentless power and jagged sharp reef, we wanted to explore how mapping this iconic reef can help better protect reefs across the world. This year, we worked with REEF to expand our efforts to map the famous Thundercloud reef in Fiji, which is still one of the least understood reef systems on Earth. With the support of local surfers and activists, MEGA Lab shared technology to help better monitor the impacts of visitors on the reef and share how 3D mapping can help empower locals to make better management decisions.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
Science research can often look a bit stale and not very relatable to most of society. Even for me, I used to associate the word scientist with being indoors and wearing lab coats all day. I wanted to show the world that impactful science happens outside and you can wear whatever you want even if it’s board shorts or a wetsuit.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
Most of my greatest and most inspirational moments come from the surf. Realizing the similarities between making your way through a difficult lineup and navigating the difficulties of life can be very empowering. If you want to catch a wave, there is a lot of work you have to do and it all starts by taking that first step into the ocean. The same when embarking on a new adventure and in this case, I knew if we didn’t take that first step I would never know if the MEGA lab would work.
Many people don’t know the steps to take to start a new organization. What are some of the things or steps you took to get your project started?
I think the biggest thing to consider is finding the right partners. Within the leadership of MEGA lab are two incredible minds — Professor John Burns and Professor Haunani Kane. Both are great ocean athletes and some of the top scientists in their field. We also partner with the Mokupapapa Discovery Center in Downtown Hilo. We work with them to show the public that science can be fun and relatable. And obviously working with REEF has been incredible. They are at the forefront of what it means to celebrate surfing, science, and environmental connection.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
We just came back from our first international field expedition. By partnering with REEF, we were able to map one of the most famous and largest reef systems in the world. It was a perfect blend of adventure and environmental impact to say the least. We definitely surfed a lot but also got a lot of research done. We also partnered with Surfline, who provided us with important data points that helped us visualize where surfers interact with the reef. I think we will be able to produce a cool science paper out of this that includes different perspectives from various parts of society.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson or take away you learned from that?
We are constantly making mistakes, which is the name of the game in science. More importantly, it’s learning from these mistakes that keep the research going. We found out quickly that we needed physical space to do our research. When we started out, the MEGA lab was just an idea between a group of friends. When people started to ask to visit the lab, we would have to meet at a food joint or bar. Now, by working with Mokupapapa Discovery Center we have a nice space above the museum.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
I don’t think a lot of people understood what the MEGA lab was in the beginning. We were a bunch of friends who love science and love doing other stuff in the ocean. It takes a certain type of person to really see the vision of what the MEGA lab can represent. Guys like Shea Perkins, senior marketing director REEF was one of the first people to really see the potential of a science lab that supports extreme athletes. We do extreme sports but also do extreme science. It feels really good to have people like Shea and REEF there from the beginning.
Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
I think that people from the community, society and politicians all need to nurture their relationship with nature however it may be. You don’t have to ride a huge wave or have a PhD to be a scientist. If you love solving problems and being outside, you are taking the first steps to become an environmental activist. Once that relationship is established, then you are on your way to finding solutions to protect it. Lastly, use whatever voice you have to celebrate that connection. Whether its 100 or 100k followers on social media, real life, or online. Use that voice. It all adds up in the end.
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
To run a business that is sustainable and environmentally conscious, you first need to build a community of people that truly care about nature and the future of the planet. When you have passionate people embedded in your company culture, they will take the health of the environment into consideration when making business decisions.
As I noted before, one company living out its mission to take care of the planet is REEF. Not only does the brand work with myself and MEGA lab on impactful projects, but for years they have worked to protect our beaches with initiatives that keep sand and water clean and healthy. The team at REEF also has created a variety of sustainable footwear styles for surfers like myself who want to feel good about what they are wearing on their feet. REEF incorporates renewable, recycled and organic materials whenever possible and is 100% PVC Free. From corporate initiatives down to product materials, REEF is a brand that places the environment and conservation at the forefront of their business and is making a real difference.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
I’m not really sure what I wish someone told me when I started because I still feel that I am in the infancy of what the MEGA lab will become. Everyday is new and special. It’s a great time to watch our vision grow and also to be able to really enjoy the work. I know it won’t always be this way so I’m doing my best to appreciate the struggles and small successes that we are experiencing.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
Again, I’m not sure if I’m the best person to offer advice. I only can give my own experience and so far it’s been a crazy ride. I found that a positive impact starts with oneself. If there are things that we can improve in our own lives, then that will radiate out towards the environment and society. Healthy people can create healthy spaces.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Not all knowledge is taught in one school.” We can learn a lot from being outside and I plan to stay outside as long as I can.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I am a super fan of the MEOW WOLF crew. For those who are not familiar with their work, they basically shook up a stuffy little art gallery town in Santa Fe and started creating a ton of weird art. People didn’t get it at first but now they are one of the biggest art shows in the world with galleries in New Mexico and Denver Colorado. They knew they didn’t fit in and instead of trying to conform, they created their own space to exist. They are insanely inspirational to me.
How can our readers follow you online?
Yes you can follow the MEGA lab at themegalab.org or @themegalab on Instagram. My personal work is at cliffkapono.com and @cliff_kapono on Instagram
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Mahalo nui!
Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why & How Dr Cliff Kapono Of REEF & MEGA Labs Is Helping T was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.