Renaissance man and local businessman Jonathan Starr has spent nearly two decades volunteering his expertise to numerous Maui causes, from playing music at community celebrations to serving as a ham radio operator for civil defense emergency communications. Best known for his efforts to revitalize Wailuku town and his expertise about complex energy and water issues, Starr has worked quietly contributing technical known how, raising awareness and funds for the many community causes he believes in. He travels widely as a goodwill ambassador collecting and sharing good ideas about emerging technologies that could serve Maui's energy future.

Dividing his time between his Kalepa farm in Kaupo and his business offices in Wailuku, Starr has also invested countless hours as a very active member of the county Board of Water Supply and currently serves on the Maui Planning Commission, where he is the past Chair. On the Planning Commission, he has been a well-informed advocate for sustainable farming, green building standards, parks and open space, water and energy efficiency. He has served as president of the Maui Boys and Girls Club Board, chaired the Democratic Party and served as an educational panelist at many forums and symposiums. He is an active supporter of local East Maui efforts like the Hana Canoe Club and Kipahulu Community Association, has run for both state and county office and served on the Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter Executive Board.

Starr is an avid scuba diver and advocate for Maui's reefs and shorelines and great supporter of his wife Helen's efforts on behalf of Maui Coastal Land Trust. He typifies the spirit of the 'Onipa'a award-designed to honor those who have dedicated many years to helping educate and advocate for Maui's land, water and people and a clean green future.