Antarctic expeditioner, Mānoa undergrad set to join University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents

A Big Island-born undergrad at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa who was the only U.S. citizen selected to participate in a 2025 international expedition to Antarctica led by polar explorer Robert Swan is now taking on a new role closer to home.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green appointed Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents, subject to Hawaiʻi Senate confirmation. Gee replaces Joshua Faumuina, whose term ends this month.

Gee will serve a 2-year term beginning July 1 if confirmed.

“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,” he said in a University of Hawaiʻi News item. “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.”

Gee is an honors student at the university’s flagship Mānoa campus on Oʻahu, pursuing an international business and finance double major from the Shidler College of Business, with a minor in political science from the College of Social Sciences.

Born and raised in South Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island, he graduated in 2024 as valedictorian from Kealakehe High School.

Gee had leadership roles at the county and state levels previously, serving as inaugural chairperson of the Hawaiʻi County Youth Commission and a treasurer of 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.

Gee is also a Villars Institute fellow and participated in the 2025 expedition to Antarctica led by Swan.

He joined scientists, educators and young leaders during the expedition in research activities and live educational broadcasts with classrooms around the world, promoting climate stewardship and raising awareness about the importance of protecting Antarctica.

Gee also was selected for the World Affairs Councils of America Student Scholars Program and appeared in the Public Broadcasting Service documentary series “Rethinking Higher Ed.”