Bio
Mr. Brandon Bees is a geologist with experience in groundwater investigation, field sampling, geospatial analysis, and applied water resource research. His work includes supporting groundwater, stormwater, and air quality investigations, as well as developing site-specific hydrogeologic data sets to inform water management and infrastructure planning.
Mr. Bees has experience with field sampling programs, ArcGIS-based spatial analysis, groundwater modeling (MODFLOW), and technical reporting. He has worked in both consulting and academic settings. His graduate research focused on groundwater systems and decentralized water supplies in Hawaiʻi, integrating field data and community engagement to support sustainable water development strategies.
Relevant Experience
Stormwater Management
Stormwater Management, Waianae, Hawaiʻi — Performed stormwater sampling in runoff reservoir pools to determine if concentrations of heavy metals exceeded safe levels when entering the ocean.
Sampling
Groundwater Sampling, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi — Participated in a multiyear groundwater sample collection to identify contaminants.
Groundwater Sampling, Maui, Hawaiʻi — Collected freshwater stable isotope and major-ion groundwater samples from northeast Maui to determine their relationship. Comparing the data between surface water and groundwater composition gave insight as to where the two may interact with surface water feeding into the groundwater and vice versa. Samples were collected from local, privately owned wells with the owner’s permission.
PFAS Investigation and Remediation, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi — Supported PFAS groundwater sampling using low flow methods.
Water Quality Sampling, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi — Collected water quality samples from multiple locations to determine safety of tap water for residents.
Sediment Sampling, Lahaina, Hawaiʻi — Assisted in emergency sediment sampling in Lahaina after the 2023 fires to determine whether heavy-metal contaminants were present. Work involved multiple trips to Lahaina for sampling and shipping samples to a specialized laboratory.
Water Quality Sampling, Kula, Hawaiʻi — Assisted in emergency water supply sampling to understand the impact of wildfires on the water supply. The sampling was conducted to determine contaminants that entered the water supply through existing infrastructure by sampling available water taps.
GIS & Geoscience
GIS and Geoscience, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi — Mapped key sampling site locations using shapefiles and sample points.
Monitoring
Air Quality Monitoring, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi — Participated in a multiyear air quality monitoring project that involved remote monitoring, in-person maintenance, and systems checks.
Surface Water Monitoring, Maui, Hawaiʻi — Collected freshwater stable isotope and major-ion surface water samples from northeast Maui to determine their relationship. Comparing the data between surface water and groundwater composition gave insight as to where the two may interact with surface water feeding into the groundwater and vice versa. Streams and springs on private and public land were sampled with the owner permission, as needed. Also set up precipitation collection stations on private and government land to understand the local chemical composition of rainfall.
Soil Moisture Implementation, Aiea, Hawaiʻi — Participated in a multiyear soil vapor project that monitored the potential release of chemical contaminants using SUMMA™ cannisters from previous nearby underground infrastructure where the surface building had been demolished.
Site Assessment, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi — Assisted with drilling monitoring wells along a road following a gas pipeline. Deployed and retrieved vapor canisters.
Groundwater Modeling
Groundwater Modeling, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi — Modified an existing MODFLOW model to understand the impact of drawdown from future well development on the existing wells. The location and pumping rate of the planned wells was based on a County Ordinance. Data from existing wells were collected through connections to the community and local government.
Data Analysis
Data Analysis, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi — Compared statistical analyses of stable freshwater isotope and major ion data to one another to determine relationships and potentially similar origin points.
Data Management
Data Management, American Samoa — Assisted in the creation of the American Samoa Climate Data Portal for the American Samoa Department of Commerce. The objective was to create a data portal that supported data sovereignty for American Samoa. Located geospatial data and reports online and through connections; uploaded and organized copies to the portal for future use planning.
Training
Training, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi — Trained others in Earth Volumetric Studio C-Tech Groundwater visualization software.
Education & Credentials
M.S., Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, 2024
B.A., Geology and Environmental Studies, Whitman College at Walla, Walla, Washington, 2022
Continuing Education
OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER
First Aid/CPR/AED Certified
Professional Affiliations
American Geophysical Union