Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee, a beacon of leadership and global engagement, shines brightly as the recipient of the Paul S. Honda Scholarship from the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC). Hailing from Kealakehe High School, Eric's dedication to fostering connections and understanding across cultures is truly inspiring.
As co-President of the PAAC Club and Chairperson of the Hawaiʻi County Youth Commission, Eric embodies the spirit of diplomacy and collaboration. His involvement in PAAC's programs, including the Leadership Education And Development program and the Global Leadership Program, showcases his commitment to building bridges on both local and international stages.
Here is what Eric shared, “Over the past four years, my involvement in PAAC has not only provided me with life-changing experiences but has also significantly broadened my understanding of international affairs. Among my PAAC journey, two standout experiences have profoundly impacted my perspective: attending the Villars Institute Net Zero Symposium and participating in the Global Leadership Program (GLP). [..] My attendance at the Villars Symposium changed my life. Delving into the concept of systems change – where shifting component parts of a system creates qualitative differences – transformed my approach to global issues. [...] Being selected for the GLP further enriched my growth as a leader. Engaging in team bonding activities and field studies, I gained a deeper understanding of local issues, notably Hawaiʻi's urban development crisis and houselessness. This experience not only broadened my perspective on societal challenges but also ignited a commitment to address these issues within my own community.”
Not stopping there, Eric is a trailblazer at his school, founding initiatives like the Ambassador Program and serving as Editor in Chief of the yearbook. His leadership extends to various clubs, where he has held the prestigious position of President multiple times.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, inspires Eric to keep working on challenging issues, “His emphasis on the connections between environmental, social, and economic issues showed me the necessity to prioritize environmental sustainability and advocate for climate justice within my community and beyond. I am also inspired by Guterres's focus on conflict prevention and peacebuilding as essential components of sustainable peace. His dedication has influenced my understanding of the causes of conflicts and the importance of addressing them now. His advocacy for preventive diplomacy and his calls for greater investment in conflict prevention initiatives have underscored the value of early intervention and long-term peacebuilding efforts.”
Eric's stellar academic achievements, highlighted by a remarkable 4.053 GPA and numerous accolades such as 2024 Sarah Rosenberg Most Charitable Awad, West Hawaiʻi Science, and Engineering Fair Divisional: Third Place, 2024 SkillsUSA Job Interview First Place, 2024 Coca-Cola Semifinalist and International Model United Nations Association Award of Excellence, Spring 2023 and the 2022 Eddie Tangen Award from PAAC, demonstrate his unwavering dedication to excellence.
Now, with the Paul S. Honda Scholarship in hand, Eric is poised to continue his journey in International Relations at the university level, carrying forward the legacy of Mr. Honda's vision for promoting Asian Studies and global understanding.
Cheers to a bright future filled with diplomacy, leadership, and boundless opportunities!