Who We Are
Aloha!
Spectra Analytical Lab was founded on June 4th,2014 in Honolulu, Hawaii to help provide precise analytical testing to Hawaii‘s newly emerging medical cannabis industry.
As an accredited ISO/IEC 17025-2017 laboratory, Spectra Analytical Lab serves as a third-party interface between the Hawaii department of Health (HDOH) and medical cannabis dispensaries. Our mission is to meticulously verify that cannabis flowers and products meet the stringent quality standards mandated by the HDOH.
At Spectra Analytical, your journey begins with a dedicated team of expert scientists, ready to provide personalized support and ensure your testing needs are met with precision and care.
Cannabinoid Testing
Cannabinoids are the naturally occurring chemical compounds found in cannabis and hemp. Cannabinoid profiles (potency testing) offer producers and consumers a better understanding of the cannabinoids present in a sample (flower and/or manufactured product). Potency testing therefore aids in dosage determination and quality control.
Terpenes Testing
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its unique scents and characteristics. Known to be bioactive, terpenes in cannabis not only provide aromatherapy but may also enhance the effects of THC and CBD in the body. Current research indicates that numerous terpenes work harmoniously, creating a phenomenon known as the 'entourage effect' within the endocannabinoid system. This promising synergy may pave the way for alternative medicinal approaches or therapies, offering potential benefits to patients seeking relief through medical cannabis.
Microbiological Testing
Microorganisms found in cannabis flower and cannabis products have the potential to be harmful to patients when consumed or inhaled. In most states, pathogenic organisms such as Aspergillus spp., E. coli, Salmonella spp., and fungal biproducts called mycotoxins are deemed necessary to test.
Residual Solvent Testing
Chemical solvents (ex: butane, ethanol, pentane, etc.) are often used during extraction and manufacturing processes of infused products and concentrates. Constant inhalation or consumption of these solvents can have carcinogenic and toxic effects to the human body.
Heavy Metal Testing
Heavy metals are elements classified by their high density, as well as their biological and chemical behavior. Exposure to large amounts of these metals can lead to harmful toxic effects, such as cancer, organ failure, and even death. Due to common use and prevalence in the environment, certain heavy metals – cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury – have a higher potential for causing harm.
Pesticide Testing
Pesticides used in agriculture can be potentially dangerous and pose great health risks. The cannabis and hemp cultivation industries are no different. Exposure to pesticide residues at high levels can be toxic to patients and consumers.
At Spectra Analytical, your journey begins with a dedicated team of expert scientists, ready to provide personalized support and ensure your testing needs are met with precision and care.
If you have additional questions, please contact us at info@spectrahawaii.com or call (808) 735-5227.
Michael Covington, MS
Chief Executive Officer
Michael Covington, earned a BS in Plant Physiology from the University of Florida in 1994 and a Master of Science degree in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2003. Currently Mr. Covington is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spectra Analytical.
Mr. Covington has extensive experience in laboratory management, analytical instrumentation, ISO compliance, and regulatory compliance. Mr. Covington has been working in the cannabis industry for over 5 years, including cannabinoid profiling, cannabis chemistry, and cannabis product R&D. Mr. Covington has 20+ years of experience in project management in the fields of commercial construction, engineering, solid and hazardous waste cleanup, wetland reclamation, and hydraulic restoration.
Mr. Covington has extensive experience in laboratory management, analytical instrumentation, ISO compliance, and regulatory compliance. Mr. Covington has been working in the cannabis industry for over 5 years, including cannabinoid profiling, cannabis chemistry, and cannabis product R&D. Mr. Covington has 20+ years of experience in project management in the fields of commercial construction, engineering, solid and hazardous waste cleanup, wetland reclamation, and hydraulic restoration.
Nelson Lazaga, PhD
Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Lazaga is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Spectra Analytical. He joined after finishing his PhD from the Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology in July of 2017 from the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM).
As a trained virologist, Dr. Lazaga's dissertation was titled "Investigation of archetype human polyomavirus JCPyV cellular tropism and genomic alterations in JCPyV pathogenesis”. He also completed his Master of Science degree in Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering from UHM. His hobbies include tennis and eating. He also ran the Honolulu marathon 6 times.
As a trained virologist, Dr. Lazaga's dissertation was titled "Investigation of archetype human polyomavirus JCPyV cellular tropism and genomic alterations in JCPyV pathogenesis”. He also completed his Master of Science degree in Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering from UHM. His hobbies include tennis and eating. He also ran the Honolulu marathon 6 times.
David Petersen
VP of Scientific Operations
David Petersen is the VP of Scientific Operations at Spectra Analytical. He joined Spectra Analytical in February 2021 after relocating from Chicago, where he studied and conducted research in microbiology and immunology at Loyola University Chicago. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular Biology at Schreiner University in Texas.
In his free time, he enjoys crocheting stuffed animals that he donates to different health-related organizations.
In his free time, he enjoys crocheting stuffed animals that he donates to different health-related organizations.
Aloha Garo
Quality Manager
Aloha Garo joined Spectra Analytical in October of 2022 and currently serves as the Quality Manager. From a small town located on the North Shore of O`ahu, Aloha graduated from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Integrative & Organismal Biology and a minor in psychology. She completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Health Administration at Chaminade University in May of 2025.
"I love being adventurous. You can catch me trying out new restaurants/cuisines, at the beach, baking, or especially at concerts of all music genres!"
"I love being adventurous. You can catch me trying out new restaurants/cuisines, at the beach, baking, or especially at concerts of all music genres!"
Colin Aono
Manager
Colin Aono joined Spectra Analytical in February of 2023 and currently serves as a Manager. Originally from Southern California, Colin moved to Hawaii in 2010 to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) where he earned his Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology.
In his spare time Colin likes to fish, dive, and do anything ocean related.
In his spare time Colin likes to fish, dive, and do anything ocean related.
Nathan Sunada, PhD
Lab Analyst and Chemist
Dr. Sunada is the Lab Analyst and Chemist of Spectra Analytical Lab. He joined the team after completing his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences in June 2025 from the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UHH).
With training in pediatric oncology and molecular biology, Dr. Sunada's dissertation was titled "Calcium Signaling Profiles in Patient-Paired High-Risk Neuroblastoma Tumors - Novel Mechanisms Driving Chemotherapy Resistance and Targeted Therapies."
He is passionate about patient care, holistic healing modalities, and alternative medicine, and enjoys spending time offline with his dog, Zero.
With training in pediatric oncology and molecular biology, Dr. Sunada's dissertation was titled "Calcium Signaling Profiles in Patient-Paired High-Risk Neuroblastoma Tumors - Novel Mechanisms Driving Chemotherapy Resistance and Targeted Therapies."
He is passionate about patient care, holistic healing modalities, and alternative medicine, and enjoys spending time offline with his dog, Zero.