Talk Story With Alan Silva
February 14, 2023
Welcome to this month’s Talk Story, a blog series where we shine the spotlight on one of our team members at Timbers Kauaʻi. This month, we are learning more about Naturalist, Alan Silva.
Alan was born and raised here on Kauaʻi and graduated from Waimea High School in 1970. He officially became a member of the Timbers team in May 2016. Previous to that, Alan was employed by the State of Hawaii for 30 years as a Wildlife Biological Technician. Also during that time, he worked as an On-site Monitor & Wildlife Biologist with Rana Biological for 15 years in the development & construction stages of Kalanipu’u, Kauaʻi Lagoons, and Timbers projects.
What is your “kuleana” (job) at Timbers Kaua‘i/Hōkūala and how long have you been part of the ‘ohana?
I am the Farm Manager since January, and I have been on the property for 10 years.
In your opinion, what makes Timbers Kaua‘i at Hōkūala special or unique?
The simple collaboration of our hard-working and joyful ‘ohana!
Describe Kaua‘i in one word.
Sublime!
When not working, what is your favorite hobby?
Golfing, playing guitar and diorama building with my boys.
What does aloha mean to you?
Truthfulness and respect for each other, and to care for one another and be thankful.
What is your favorite Hawaiian food?
Hands down, has to be lau lau.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I still collect action figures, I enjoy cutting grass, and I eat cookies in a bowl of milk with a spoon!
What is your “kuleana” (job) at Timbers Kaua‘i/Hōkūala and how long have you been part of the ‘ohana?
Initially, I was hired to keep track of the endangered species that call this place home. Duties included nēnē habitat conservation, nēnē pairing, nesting, observation and recording. Also to provide a “safe haven” on property from cats, dogs, pigs and chickens by trapping those predators.
Within the last three years, I have been giving classes to all of Timbers new hires, managers and on-site construction workers on wildlife safety concerns, personal obligations, and management & conduct around the endangered species on property. Also, since January of 2022, I have developed and implemented a 1 ½ to 2 hour Bird & Wildlife Tour, complete with a corresponding handout for Timbers guests, our employees and their families, and for those who want to see and learn about the roughly 50 different bird species that frequent the property.
In your opinion, what makes Timbers Kaua‘i at Hōkūala special or unique?
To me, it’s the attitude of the workers on the line, the guys that do the day-to-day stuff inside and outside. That makes the difference. They treat guests AND each other like family or long-time friends…and it shows.
Describe Kaua‘i in one word.
HOME.
When not working, what is your favorite hobby?
My favorite pastime is traveling. My wife and I would really like to spend a lot more time seeing the rest of the world, trying different foods, meeting different people, and experiencing other lifestyles and cultures while we still can.
What does aloha mean to you?
For me, ALOHA is an attitude. It’s something that is not just lived, but felt in the heart, the mind, the soul…it’s doing cause you want to, not because you have to.
What is your favorite Hawaiian food?
Just one? OK, gotta be POKE!
Mahalo Alan for taking the time to talk story with us!
In order to schedule a tour with Alan while at Timbers Kaua‘i, reach out to our concierge team!
What else makes Timbers Kaua’i at Hōkūala special? Other experiences include the Farm at Hōkūala, fresh farm-to-table dining at Hualani’s, or explore our ownership opportunities.
