John Leong
Executive Director

I was born and raised in Hawaii.  I graduated from Punahou School and later attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.  My wife, Julianna, and I have two beautiful children, Te Ara Maeha and Heikura Hererangi.  In high school, I was a member of the Youth Conservation Corps, then run by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.  This experience inspired me to seek a career in conservation where I could not only help to protect Hawaii’s precious resources, but also utilize them as a way to enrich and better the communities and people around me.  In addition for my love for the outdoors, I have a deep desire to educate and train young adults.  I have been able to utilize this passion by helping to greater develop the Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps as well as help start up Kupu, whose purpose is to train and equip young adults while protecting Hawaii’s natural resources.

I am also an active member at New Hope Diamond Head and enjoy outdoor recreation such as hiking, paddling, and playing with my family at the beach.

Julianna Rapu Leong
Vice President

I was born and raised in Rapa Nui, Chile and moved to Hau’ula, Oahu in the 1990’s.  I am a graduate of Punahou School and Scripps College, where I earned a degree in Biology.  I married my best friend, John, and together we have been blessed with two beautiful daughters, Te Ara Ma’eha and Heikura Hererangi.  My deep love and respect for the ocean, the forest, and all wild places started in my youth.  My other great love is helping others unlock their gifts and witnessing the power of a transformed life.  It is an honor to have worked with the Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps since 2002 and to have been Kupu’s first Executive Director.

Kathy Thurston
Secretary

I am a graduate of The Kamehameha Schools Class of 1975, born and raised her on Oahu. I am the eldest of six children and was raised by my Hawaiian grandmother who developed a deep appreciation for my heritage and cultural values. My husband Charles and I have been married for more than 30 years and we are proud and happy parents to our daughters Tiffany and Tatum, son-in-law Rick and kupuna to Isaiah Kuponoaloha.

I am the owner and President of Thurston-Pacific, Inc., a general engineering and building contractor and some of the things I enjoy in my free time are reading, dancing, music and traveling. I also enjoy serving at church (New Hope) and my favorite past time is enjoying my little mo’opuna and spending time with him. Some of my current and past affiliations are:

Past President – General Contractors Association of Hawaii
Board of Regent (Emeritus) – University of Hawaii
Past Commissioner – Department of Hawaiian Homelands
Management Trustee – Operating Engineers Union & Laborers Union
Former Chairwoman – OHA’s Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund

Michael Wilson
Board Member

I grew up on Oahu where I spent much of my time in the mountains and ocean. I attended public school on Oahu, completed law school on the mainland and eventually became the Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the State of Hawaii. I am presently a state circuit court judge for the First Circuit Court of the State of Hawaii.