I first fell in love with the Hawaiian Honeycreepers in Ms. Matlin’s sophomore year biology class. These birds, with a multitude of genetic variations most prevalent in their beaks, fascinated me. Some were nectar-sippers, others fruit and nut eaters, and a portion were jacks of all trades. Yet these beautiful birds, so unique and colorful, descended from the common finch. It resonated with me that after a millennium, they were able to take on vibrant traits that set them apart from the rest. But I was disheartened to learn that many were endangered, with some species already being extinct. To discover that something so special could disappear forever ignited a passion and desire to protect not just the Hawaiian Honeycreepers but other vulnerable species as well. Sitting in that cool chair, arms resting on a familiar wooden desk, I absorbed every detail of Ms. Matlin’s lesson. I realized more should be done by our government leaders to protect native species in the state of Hawai’i and beyond. Ever since, I have sought solutions to make positive change and ensure that the songs of the Honeycreepers can be enjoyed for generations to come. The summer before junior year, I took part in a program called Kako’o Connections which sought to have teens make valuable connections in natural resources fields. We visited the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and watched a presentation about the Honeycreepers. We received stickers depicting these beautiful birds and I promptly adorned my water bottle with them. Within this program, I participated in native plant outcropping in Makakilo, Kaneohe, and Moanalua Valley that strengthened my connection with the aina. That summer, I realized how much I wanted to protect these ecosystems in Hawai’i and with my prior interest in politics, shifted my career interest towards environmental law and policy. Seeking to expand on my passion, I reached out to Representative Linda Ichiyama during my junior year, who was the Chair of the Water and Land Committee at the Hawai’i State Capitol. I had the privilege of being extended an opportunity to shadow her over spring break and watch her carry out her duties in real time. I spoke with legislators and saw a bill preventing deep sea mining in Hawai’i pass, which was a monumental moment that solidified my dreams and goals. Through all of these aspirations, I have been motivated most by my desire to protect and give back to my home. This dream has given me direction and purpose, inspiring me to pursue higher education and earn a degree in Political Science. While I was able to secure an acceptance to my dream school, New York University (NYU), I’ve unfortunately realized that attendance is unaffordable. Despite this setback, I am committed to making the most out of my situation and continue to succeed and thrive no matter what. Hawai’i has shaped who I am today in a multitude of ways and I plan to embody kindness, generosity, and perseverance in my work. As a state representative, I hope to not just protect our native species but also uplift our communities and the programs that support them.

In highschool, I learned the definition of Mālama 'Āina while being a part of the Academy of Natural Resources at Waipahu High. I learned that it meant to care for and practice stewardship of the land, to give back. But my understanding of the phrase Mālama 'Āina transformed from a definition to a feeling when I took part in Kākoʻo Connections during the summer before junior year. Kākoʻo Connections, a program led by Kupu to get teens interested and immersed in the Hawai’i conservation and natural resources fields, was life-changing for me. From getting to outcrop Native Hawaiian plants such as Koa trees and Pōhinahina at Camp Palehua, Moanalua Valley, and Kawainui Marsh; to touring the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) office in Honolulu, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association facility on Ford Island, and the Pacific RISA Coral Reef Nursery, all of these experiences were impactful in motivating me to pursue a career in conservation. But most importantly, I was able to find a community of people who shared the same values and interests as me. People who were passionate about conserving and preserving Hawaii’s ecosystems and wonders. At the end of the program, I realized that I wanted to focus on environmental conservation while working as a lawmaker and representing Hawai’i. Because of the valuable connections I made, I now see the importance of shared community spaces in the Natural Resources sphere because it was through networking that I was able to be educated and informed of the unique environmental challenges that affect our native species and local communities as well as the solutions and impact we can have on them. Besides networking within the community, I also learned the importance of discussion and input from members of our communities when I shadowed Representative Linda Ichiyama at the Hawai’i State Capitol during my junior year over spring break. Rep. Ichiyama, who was the Chair of the Water and Land Committee allowed me to sit in on committee hearings regarding deep sea mining and other environmental issues. There, I listened to the testimonies of Hawai’i residents that cared about these issues (including one of my own classmates who advocated for street clean-up funding for Waipahu). After working hands-on with conservation efforts on O’ahu and seeing the impact I can make as a lawmaker at the state level, my goals of working to make positive change in Hawai’i environmentally were further solidified. Now, as I prepare to study Political Science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) this upcoming fall, I am seeking additional financial support. After my father retired from the U.S. Navy with 22 years of service in October 2023, the cost of attending college has seemed unaffordable while we continue to live off of his pension and he struggles to find employment due to his back disability. Receiving the Pu’uloa Springs Scholarship will bring me closer to making my UNLV education attainable. After graduation, I will return to Hawai’i and run for political office while continuing to volunteer with conservation organizations. I hope to increase funding for these initiatives and support programs in schools that seek to inform youth and support them in pursuing careers in these fields. I will advocate against land development in areas where it may harm our wildlife or affect our local communities while continuing to spread awareness of these issues. Through all of these aspirations and goals, my deep love and admiration for Hawai’i will continue to guide me and motivate me as I practice Mālama 'Āina, stewardship of the land, giving back.