Finalists named for 2026 student appointment to UH Board of Regents

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The Candidate Advisory Council (CAC) for the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents has presented a list of four candidates to Gov. Josh Green to fill one student seat for a two-year appointment beginning July 1, 2026, subject to confirmation by the state Senate. The finalists are:

• Jenny Brown
• Olivia Frances Chung
• Eric Pomaikai Gee
• Raiyan Rafid

Finalist biographies are available at the Candidate Advisory Council website (PDF).

"The Candidate Advisory Council members were extremely pleased with the caliber of students applying to serve on the University of Hawai'i Board of Regents," said CAC Chair Brigitte Yoshino. "While it was a difficult decision, the CAC members believe any of the four candidates chosen to be finalists will serve the university well and are delighted to submit these names for consideration to the governor and the state senate."

Candidate lists are compiled after a comprehensive review and selection process, which is solely and exclusively merit-based and according to procedures set forth in state statutes and the council's administrative rules.

The Board of Regents is the governing body of UH and consists of eleven (11) members. Representation includes five (5) from the City and County of Honolulu; two (2) from Hawaiʻi County; two (2) from Maui County; one (1) from Kauaʻi County; and one (1) UH student.

Members of the CAC serve voluntarily and are not paid.