Young Hilo girl advances to semi-finals of Junior Ranger Competition

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – An aspiring conservation biologist has a chance to win $20,000 dollars.

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Kaileʻa Keawe advanced to the semi-final of the nationwide Junior Ranger Competition. The competition spotlights young leaders who are passionate about nature and wildlife.

Keawe’s favorite animal is koalas and remembers when she was even younger, she wanted to protect them.

“I want to make sure that I’m able to create an ecosystem for them where there’s no eucalyptus trees burning down in the forest and they’re not dying from wildfires,” said Keawe.

Keawe’s mother, grandmother, and conservation biologist uncle Colton are her biggest supporters.

“I would just be very proud of Kaile’a,” said Colton. “She definitely cares a lot about nature. She’s very empathetic.”

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Colton said Keawe’s passion grew after the two began recording Instagram videos about plants and animals around Hawaii.

When Keawe’s mother found an Instagram account posting about the competition, it sparked the family’s interest.

“Then it just kind of snowballed from there,” said Colton.

She is currently in 11th place in the semi-final competition. If Keawe wins, she’ll also appear in Ranger Rick magazine and go on a wildlife experience with Jeff Corwin, an American biologist, wildlife conservationist, and television host.

Anyone can vote for Keawe on the Junior Ranger organization’s website. Each vote costs $1, with funds supporting the National Wildlife Federation.

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Voting closes Thursday, May 28, at 4 p.m.