Yuen nominated for BLNR

Big Island attorney Christopher Yuen, the former county planning director, was one of three people nominated by Gov. David Ige for the state Board of Land and Natural Resources.

The other two are Honolulu surfer and surf shop owner Keith “Keone” Downing and Ulalia Woodside, a Waimanalo, Oahu resident who has been serving on the board on an interim basis since last year and is currently the regional asset manager for natural and cultural resources at Kamehameha Schools’ Land Assets Division.

Yuen, who lives in Ninole, is also currently an interim board member and held BLNR’s Hawaii County seat from 1990-98. From 2000-08, he was Hawaii County’s planning director. He’s also served as a county’s deputy corporation counsel and practiced law as a private attorney.

Yuen is currently on the advisory councils for the Laupahoehoe and Puuwaawaa Experimental Tropical Forest. Since 1995, Yuen has been owner and manager of The Family Farm, Inc., a 20-acre certified organic farm supplying local markets with bananas, lychees and rambutans.

“With significant work experience as a planner, attorney and farmer, Chris brings a balanced and insightful point of view to the board table,” Ige said in a written statement. “Hawaii will greatly benefit from his commitment and passion to our communities and his willingness to serve.”

Yuen received a bachelor’s degree in human biology from Stanford University, a master’s degree in environmental science from State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and a juris doctorate from UH William S. Richardson School of Law.

“It’s a pleasure and a privilege to continue serving on the board,” said Chris Yuen. “I look forward to the deliberations of the Board and making decisions today that will shape the future of our state.”