John ’96 and Julianna Rapu ’97 Leong

John ’96 and Julianna Rapu ’97 Leong, a married power couple, were recognized by PAA with the prestigious Charles S. Judd Humanitarian Award for their inspiring contributions in sustainability. With a shared commitment to public service and environmental stewardship, they have made Hawai‘i a better place.

In 2007, the Leongs co-founded Kupu, an organization dedicated to developing Hawai‘i’s future environmental stewards and community leaders. Through character-building, service learning, and environmental initiatives, Kupu has empowered more than 5,000 young adults and generated an impressive $155 million in economic impact.

Prior to Kupu, John established Pono Pacific Management LLC, driving the growth of Hawai‘i’s green jobs industry and promoting resilience. Their combined efforts have garnered much-deserved recognition, including the Ho‘okele Award from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation and the Community Collaborator Award from the Hawai‘i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations.

“Thank you, Punahou, for opening your doors to me,” said Julianna. “I’m so grateful for all that you’ve poured into me, all the ways that you encouraged me and there’s just not enough words to say how grateful I am for this opportunity. I hope that my life is just a small token of thanks for your generosity.” She emphasized that their work is a collective endeavor, reflecting the dedication and support of many people.