A devoted conservationist, Diane Drigot made her mark negotiating human interaction with the environment in ways that were practical, informed and sensitive to cultural views.
Drigot died Oct. 14 at the age of 65.
Born in Illinois, Drigot held a bachelor’s degree in conservation of natural resources from Barnard College, Columbia University; and a master’s and Ph.D. in natural resources from the University of Michigan.
After spending the early years of her career working as an environmental policy research analyst, university environmental studies program coordinator and environmental impact consultant, Drigot, who moved to Hawaii in 1977, found employment at the environmental department at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. There she practiced an integrated ecosystem approach to natural and cultural resources management, environmental restoration and environmental documentation, earning awards for her work with military operators, regulators and the public to preserve natural resources and minimize the environmental impact of military operations.
Drigot drew particular attention for her efforts to protect Hawaiian birds on Mokapu Peninsula.
Drigot was widely published in the areas of land use, ecosystem management and natural and cultural resources. In addition to serving as affiliate graduate faculty at the University of Hawaii, Drigot also helped to develop school curricula on Windward Oahu wetlands.
Outside of work, Drigot danced hula with Halau Mohala Ilima and paddled for several years with the Waimanalo Canoe Club.
Drigot is survived by mother Genevieve Drigot and sister Karen Stone.
A celebration of life will be held in January. Condolences may be sent to Karen Stone at 11600 Academy Road NE, Apt. 524, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Contributions in Drigot’s memory may be sent to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N, P.O. Box 19024, Seattle, WA, 98109; or to a charity of choice.
