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Focused on environmental conservation, three Maui students receive scholarships

Three Maui students have been awarded ecology and conservation scholarships from the Friends of Haleakala National Park. Dominick Guiwa of Maui High School, Christian Pelletier of Seabury Hall and Serene Gunnison of UH Maui College each received $2,000 through the 2026-27 Don Reeser, Mary Evanson and Dr. Fern Duvall Memorial Scholarship. The three are pursuing studies and careers related to ecology or conservation of ecosystems such as Haleakala National Park and Hawaii's natural environment. [caption id="attachment_1323090" align="alignnone" width="333"] Dominick Guiwa[/caption] Guiwa is interested in the intersection of environmental chemistry, ecology and applied engineering. His research earned him a first-place Grand Award at the International Science and Engineering Fair in February 2026. "I am particularly drawn to how natural systems can inspire technological solutions," Guiwa said. The goal of his project was to explore whether plant-derived compounds can serve as environmentally compatible alternatives to conventional firefighting foams, many of which contain harmful "forever chemicals" that persist in soil and water. He said his findings showed that certain native plant extracts demonstrated promising foam formation and resistance to re-ignition, suggesting potential for further development. Guiwa will attend Santa Monica College, where he plans to major in environmental engineering. He hopes to return to Maui and help address some of the island's most pressing challenges, including environmental degradation, climate change and sustainable development. [caption id="attachment_1323092" align="alignnone" width="336"] Christian Pelletier[/caption] Pelletier, who served as co-leader of the Environmental Alliance at Seabury Hall, spent more than a year researching how post-sugarcane soil conditions affect the native 'a'ali'i plant's growth, leaf production and biomass. His research, displayed at the 2026 Maui County Regional Science and Engineering Fair, examined ways to help rebuild local ecosystems affected by Maui's agricultural past. The project received the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's "Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award." Pelletier will attend Willamette University, where he plans to major in environmental science and later pursue a degree in environmental law. [caption id="attachment_1323091" align="alignnone" width="375"] Serene Gunnison[/caption] Gunnison became interested in conservation while working with the Maui Invasive Species Committee on its social media efforts. "The more I learned about invasive species and conservation in Hawaii, the more I fell in love with it," she said. Gunnison hopes to provide free native trees to residents in the Kokomo and Kauhikoa areas to help restore the land's natural makeup. She plans to begin by learning to grow hardy native plants such as 'a'ali'i, 'ūlei and māmaki. She is on track to graduate with an associate degree in natural sciences from UH Maui College in 2028 and plans to continue her education by earning a bachelor's degree in sustainable science or botany. More information about Friends of Haleakala National Park scholarships, programs and volunteer opportunities is available at fhnp.org.

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