Tyrone Montayre, an auto mechanic from Oʻahu, never imagined he’d become a steward of Hawaiʻi’s land. In 2018, amid personal grief after losing his mother to cancer, he made a bold leap: purchasing 330 acres of overgrown, preservation land at an auction. With no experience, Montayre embraced his kuleana (responsibility) to heal the land, teaching himself restoration practices and collaborating with conservation and cultural experts. His humble roots became his strength, driving him to build bridges between communities and nature. He founded Protect & Preserve Hawaiʻi, rallying thousands to clear invasives, replant native flora, and revive culture. His story—from mechanic to visionary —embodies how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary change. He inspires others, proving that caring for the land is caring for one another. Tyrone’s legacy? A thriving ecosystem, an engaged community, and a reminder that the future is built by those brave enough to plant seeds of hope.