MEDIA RELEASE

Gov. David Ige has announced three nominations for the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR).

All three nominations are subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Keith “Keone” Downing is an expert waterman and respected big wave rider. Downing is the son of big-wave pioneer George Downing, one of Hawaii’s major figures in modern surfing.

Currently, Keone, along with his sister Kaiulu, run the family owned business which is also Hawaii’s oldest surf shop, Downing Hawaii. He continues in the lasting legacy of the Downing family through his commitment to and advocacy on behalf of ocean conservation.

Downing’s long-term involvement with the non-profit group Surfing Education Association shows his dedication to the preservation of Hawaii’s oceans coral reefs, waves and beaches.

“Keone’s unparalleled knowledge of local waters will be an asset to the Board of Land and Natural Resources,” said Ige. “I know he will be a voice for the community.”

Downing is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools. He graduated in 1975 with a degree in commercial art from California College of the Arts and went on to design logos for surf industry giants Quiksilver and O’Neill.

“I’m humbled to be nominated for this position,” said Downing. “It is an honor to be asked to preserve our natural and cultural resources for future generations.”

Ulalia Woodside, who has been serving on the Board on an interim basis since last year, lives in Waimanalo and is currently the regional asset manager for natural and cultural resources at Kamehameha Schools’ Land Assets Division.

Prior to this, Woodside worked at Wilson Okamoto Corporation, The Hallstrom Group and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

She currently serves as a steering committee member for Hawaii Green Growth and is the indigenous representative for the Landscape Conservation Cooperative National Council.

She is a former commissioner for the Natural Area Reserves System Commission and a former executive council chair for the Pacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative.

“Ulalia has extensive experience managing Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources, and she provides a valuable perspective on the Board,” said Ige. “I am pleased that she has agreed to continue to serve on the Board,”

Woodside received bachelor’s degrees in political science and Hawaiian studies, along with a certificate in Hawaiian language, from UH Manoa. She is also a kumu hula, having completed the uniki rites of her family’s genealogical hula traditions.

“I am honored to be asked to continue to serve on the board and am committed to preserving Hawaii’s natural resources,” said Woodside.

Christopher Yuen, a resident of Ninole, is also currently serving on the Board on an interim basis and previously held BLNR’s Hawaii County seat from 1990 to 1998. He is currently on the advisory councils for the Laupahoehoe and Puuwaawaa Experimental Tropical Forest.

Since 1995, Yuen has been owner and manager of The Family Farm, Inc., a 20-acre certified organic farm supplying local markets with bananas, lychees and rambutans.

From 2000 to 2008, he was Hawaii County’s planning director. He has also served as the County’s deputy corporation counsel and practiced law as a private attorney.

“With significant work experience as a planner, attorney and farmer, Chris brings a balanced and insightful point of view to the Board table,” said Ige. “Hawaii will greatly benefit from his commitment and passion to our communities and his willingness to serve.”

Yuen received a bachelor’s degree in human biology from Stanford University, a master’s degree in environmental science from State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and a juris doctorate from UH William S. Richardson School of Law.

“It’s a pleasure and a privilege to continue serving on the board,” said Yuen. “I look forward to the deliberations of the Board and making decisions today that will shape the future of our state.”