WELCOME

Hello, my name is Timothy Christmore. I am the founder of Moananuiakea, a name that translates to "vast ocean," a term used by the Hawaiian people to refer to the Pacific Ocean.

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Early Beginnings

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My story begins in Ukraine, specifically in the city of Zaporizhia. My father left my mother before I was born, and shortly after giving birth, she placed me up for adoption. I was then moved to an orphanage in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.

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As time went on, I was often given shoes that were too small and tightly wrapped in a blanket for long durations. This led to the deformation of my feet and indentations on my chest from my arms being constrained. Consequently, I developed a flat head from being unable to move, as I was frequently tied in a blanket and laid on my back.

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Eventually, I was adopted by an American couple, along with another boy from the orphanage who would become my brother. We both faced malnutrition and various health challenges, and due to our age, we were approaching a developmental stage where our issues could become permanent.

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Growing Up in Kansas

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I grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where my father worked as an aircraft engineer and my mother as a teacher. From a young age, I developed a love for the natural world, thanks to our frequent trips to the zoo and camping adventures.

During high school, I created immersive animal exhibits for science classrooms, focusing on topics like the tropics and South Florida. These exhibits showcased reef aquariums, freshwater tanks, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and more. After graduating, I envisioned moving to Florida and traveling globally to volunteer with humanitarian and conservation organizations, but life had other plans.

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A New Chapter in Hawai’i

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In middle and high school, i grew up going to summer camp, which created some of my fondest memories. At 18, I moved to Hawai’i to work at a camp for underprivileged Pacific Island youth. Initially, I was hesitant about moving to Hawai’i, as I understood its complex history and didn’t want to be just another person seeking “paradise.” However, after applying for numerous jobs without any responses, I decided to give Hawai’i a chance. I applied for one position, landed an interview, and got the job.

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Over the years, I have traveled extensively, working and volunteering in various places, including Australia, Alaska, Massachusetts, Colorado, and South Africa, just to name a few.

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A Passion for Conservation

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Growing up, I was captivated by David Attenborough documentaries, and I watched in awe as they highlighted the the natural world. Initially, I believed there were still untouched parts of the globe. However, my travels revealed a different reality.

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I once thought Africa was a vast wilderness teeming with wildlife, only to discover in South Africa that many animals are confined to national parks with few remaining in the wild outside of the parks. In Australia, I hoped the world's oldest tropical rainforest would be fully protected and thriving, but I was disheartened to see extensive deforestation, with Australia having the highest deforestation rate among developed countries.

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No place on Earth is immune to invasive species, diseases, or destruction, and upon returning to Hawai’i, I realized just how real this issue is.

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The Threat to Hawai’i's Ecology

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When people think of tropical islands, palm trees often come to mind. With nearly 3,000 species, they flourish in many regions. However, in Hawai’i, this idyllic image is under threat. An invasive pest known as the coconut rhinoceros beetle was accidentally introduced in 2014. Its numbers have rapidly increased and, in just three years, it infested O’ahu and spread to Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island. We are still learning about its diet, but it appears to feast on anything with sweet sap.

Thousands of palm trees, along with other native and non-native plant species, are dying across the state due to this pest.

Currently, the Pacific faces the highest rates of plant, animal, and cultural extinctions anywhere on Earth.

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To raise awareness, I initiated an outreach project on O’ahu, where I set up a tent to distribute information about invasive species and diseases in Hawai’i, along with ways the public can help protect the islands.

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Sharing Pacific Island Culture

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Last year, I returned to Wichita, Kansas, and took a long-term substitute teaching position, where I taught Pacific Island art and culture at a middle school. I shared the knowledge I gained from living in Hawai’i and visiting Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, French Polynesia, and New Zealand, introducing students to these cultures for the first time and guiding them in creating their own artworks.

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After this experience, I felt a strong desire to do more. In high school, I had envisioned a career designing animal exhibits, but moving to Hawai’i shifted my focus. Now, I find joy in educating people in unique ways. I am currently working on developing classroom materials, films, and exhibits to help raise awareness about the precious environment we are losing.

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Current Endeavors

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Currently, I am traveling to various Pacific islands, capturing stories and photographs of the people. I am conducting research to launch my first projects this year that I have been diligently preparing.

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I am the sole individual behind Moananuiakea, handling everything from design and painting to planning, mailing, and organizing outreach initiatives.

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My funding comes from substitute teaching, where I work with a diverse range of students from preschool to high school. At present, I am painting Pacific Island bark cloth to generate additional funds for my projects. While I have yet to release any materials, my goal is for the project to be sustained through book sales and other artistic works from indigenous Pacific creators, ensuring these vibrant cultures continue to thrive.