The Environmental Law Program is honored to launch the first annual Ho Fellowship, established in memory of the late Nelson Ho, a lifelong advocate for environmental justice in Hawai‘i. This fellowship is made possible through the generous support of his wife, Jennifer Ho, whose commitment to supporting environmental law students helps continue Nelson’s legacy of stewardship and community engagement.

Born in 1950 in Philadelphia, Nelson moved with his ‘ohana to Honolulu as an infant. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and later attended the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where his passion for conservation and social justice began to take root. Throughout his life, Nelson championed both environmental protection and civil rights, weaving together grassroots advocacy and legislative action to advance meaningful change.

Nelson was known for his creativity and empathy. Through photography, he documented environmental degradation—such as the military bombing at Pōhakuloa—in a way that moved people across communities and perspectives. “He dealt with them as peers,” Jennifer recalled. “His idea [was], we’re here because we love Hawai‘i.” Even in moments of protest, his approach was grounded in understanding, compassion, and respect.

Nelson (left) and friends protesting outside the Military Pōhakuloa TOXIC Area (PTA) on Hawai‘i Island in 2019. Photography by jalbertini via Malu ‘Aina Center for non-violent education and action.

In 1979, Nelson relocated to Hawai‘i Island, where he continued to blend education, activism, and public service. He taught Environmental Studies at Hawai‘i Community College before serving as Deputy Director of the Department of Environmental Management under Mayor Harry Kim from 2004 to 2008. During his tenure, Nelson helped establish reuse facilities across the island, reflecting his lifelong dedication to sustainability and community-centered solutions.

Beyond his professional contributions, Nelson was a tireless volunteer with organizations such as the Sierra Club and Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, mentoring younger advocates and inspiring countless others to protect the places and people that make Hawai‘i unique.

Nelson testifying in front of the Mauna Kea Management Board in 2016. Video by David Corrigan, recorded May 21, 2016.

Through the Ho Fellowship, Nelson’s spirit of aloha ‘āina, humility, and service lives on—encouraging future generations of environmental law students to pursue justice with the same compassion and resolve that defined his life’s work.

JH