Jonathan is from Maui and graduated from Maui High School in 2023. He
is currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering at UH Manoa,
with career interests in electrical infrastructure engineering. He plans to
earn a Professional Engineer (PE) license to support Hawai‘i’s energy
infrastructure. Outside the classroom, Jonathan was a cast member (role:
Puppeteer) in the university’s large-scale Balinese shadow puppetry
production, “Panji and the Lost Princess,” which premiered in April 2026.
He enjoys hip-hop, Bollywood, and comedy, and likes exploring new
places, experiences, and perspectives.
Home Island: Maui
High School: Maui High School
Institution when accepted: UH Manoa
Site: Maui Electric Company (MECO). Kahului, Maui
Mentors: Lenn Nakama
Project title: Documenting MECO Substation Communication
Project Abstract:
Maui Electric Company (MECO) utilizes thousands of protective relays, devices that protect the
electrical grid by isolating power when abnormalities are detected. When these devices experience
issues, engineers and technicians go to the site to troubleshoot and address the problems. However,
this process is often delayed because MECO currently lacks a comprehensive reference for device
communication pathways in its substations. To address this problem, a comprehensive reference
spreadsheet was created for a substation of particular interest to MECO during the 2026 Akamai
Internship Program. This project enables MECO engineers and technicians to know where to begin
troubleshooting and addressing problems in the field, making field work less time-consuming. The
deliverable – an enhanced points list – explicitly shows the respective status, function, and type of
electrical quantity for each device. By documenting these traits, the project shows how relays and
other devices communicate with each other. Key methodologies include visiting the substation
in-person and arranging data into a format usable by others. Ultimately, this new reference
spreadsheet provides MECO engineers and technicians with a convenient tool for troubleshooting
and system maintenance. By streamlining the process, the project supports long-term operational
efficiency at the utility.