The Courage To Speak Up for a Greener Future
Growing up in Pālolo Valley, Taino Stanbro ’28 has always felt a deep connection to the environment. But it was a transformative two-year family move to Washington, D.C. during grades seventh and eighth that expanded his perspective and ignited his passion for civics, democracy and climate action.
“Living in D.C. opened my eyes to how the federal government operates and how people can make a real impact through policy,” he said. Attending school in the nation’s capital gave him the opportunity to engage with state and city representatives and learn firsthand about the systems that shape society.
Returning home to Hawai‘i, Stanbro found inspiration close to home as well. Stanbro’s parents both work in climate-related fields – his father in clean energy and sustainability for the federal government, and his mother in climate justice. His sister, Meridian Stanbro ’27, has been a role model, shaping his approach to leadership and advocacy. “Meridian has always set a strong example for me,” he said. “She showed me that young people can have a real impact if they care enough to get involved.”
As a sophomore, he has immersed himself in initiatives that combine his interests in sustainability, clean energy and civic engagement. He is a Punahou Sustainability Fellow, part of a 15-month program that blends academic research, summer sessions, monthly meetings during the school year, mentorship and hands-on place-based learning for students across Hawai‘i. This fellowship, he says, has helped him understand that sustainability extends beyond renewable energy. “It’s about systemic change and thinking holistically about how everything connects,” he explained.
Stanbro is also an active member of the Climate Future Forum, a youth-led organization focused on driving climate action across Hawai‘i. Working in the clean energy group mentored by the Hawai‘i State Energy Office, he and other students collaborate with policymakers, educators and community leaders to shape priorities for the upcoming 2026 legislative session. “It’s really empowering to see youth voices taken seriously,” he said. “We’re building something that could make a difference for the future.”
In addition, Stanbro participates in the Davis Democracy Initiative, a program for Academy students that bridges civic learning with hands-on experience to strengthen democratic values and civil discourse. The initiative encourages students to think critically about social responsibility, public policy and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives – lessons that resonate deeply with his belief in respectful, solution-driven dialogue.
When asked what advice he’d give his younger self, Stanbro doesn’t hesitate: “Use your voice. Don’t be afraid to speak up, even if you’re the youngest in the room.” He also emphasizes the importance of civilized conversations, especially when discussing complex issues. “Everyone has a platform to make an impact,” he said. “It starts with listening and sharing ideas respectfully.”
Outside the classroom, Stanbro finds balance in the ocean – body surfing and boogie boarding whenever he can. “Being in the water keeps me grounded,” he said. “It reminds me why this work matters – to protect the places and experiences that make Hawai‘i so special.”
Looking ahead, Stanbro hopes to pursue a path that merges his passions for clean energy, environmental sustainability and social impact. “I want to do something that actively helps people and changes systems for the better,” he said. “The goal is to make the world a place where everyone can thrive.”
