Justin Yeh once imagined spending life after high school catching ulua. Today, he helps protect the natural resources of Maunakea.
Born and raised in Hilo to a ranching family, Yeh found his path through his mother’s native plant nursery and a forestry internship she signed him up for.
That experience sparked a conservation career that led him to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s . He became its resource manager in 2022.
“I’m doing my best to represent my community and make sure Maunakea is the best it can be for future generations.”
Yeh and his team restore habitat, pull weeds and plant native species grown from seed in their greenhouse. They also inspect equipment and materials coming up the mountain to prevent invasive species from arriving.
Their work includes monitoring the native wēkiu bug and cultural sites.
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Yeh, who participated in the 2015 Maunakea protests, sees his role as an opportunity to make a difference. Building relationships with local communities, schools and students is part of that work.