Shane Palacat-Nelsen was born and raised at Kealakekua Bay, where he learned the importance of mālama ‘āina. He is the president of the Hawaii District Council for the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, a Public Policy Advocate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and an appointed member to Hawaii County’s Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee. Shane also serves as the chair of the Kahu Kū Mauna Cultural Advisory Council, which advises the UH Mauna Kea Management Board, UH’s Center for Maunakea Stewardship and the UH Hilo Chancellor.