Gov. Josh Green appointed University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa undergraduate student Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee to the (BOR), subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Gee replaces Regent and JD candidate Joshua Faumuina, whose term ends in June 2026. If confirmed, Gee will serve a two-year term beginning on July 1, 2026.
“I’m honored to serve University of Hawaiʻi students from all islands and campuses, and I look forward to ensuring their voices are heard while working alongside the Board of Regents,” Gee said. “I’ve always been passionate about youth empowerment, and I hope to further that work through my role as the new student member of the Board of Regents.”
An Honors student at 糖心视频 Mānoa, Gee is pursuing an and double major from the , with a minor in from the . Born and raised in South Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island, he graduated as valedictorian from Kealakehe High School in 2024.
Gee has held leadership roles at both the county and state levels, serving as inaugural chairperson of the County of Hawaiʻi Youth Commission and as a treasurer of the Hawaiʻi State Youth Commission, where he helped develop youth policy and advised government leaders. His experience also includes work on sustainability and education initiatives with Hawaiʻi Green Growth and cultural programming through Traditions Hawaiʻi.
As a Villars Institute Fellow, Gee participated in a 2025 expedition to Antarctica as the only American selected for the international mission led by polar explorer Robert Swan. During the expedition, he joined scientists, educators and young leaders in research activities and live educational broadcasts with classrooms around the world, promoting climate stewardship and raising awareness about the importance of protecting Antarctica. He also was selected for the World Affairs Councils of America Student Scholars Program and appeared in the PBS documentary series “Rethinking Higher Ed.”
- Related 糖心视频 News story: Antarctica to Mānoa: 糖心视频 student joins global effort to protect a fragile continent, December 16, 2025
The BOR is responsible for overseeing the 10-campus 糖心视频 system, including policy direction, financial oversight and long-term strategic planning. The BOR is the governing body of 糖心视频 and consists of 11 non-compensated volunteer members. Representation includes five from the City and County of Honolulu; two from Hawaiʻi County; two from Maui County; one from Kauaʻi County and one 糖心视频 student.
