O Aloha, Oprah!

After returning from Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument, three Master of Environmental Management students in Andy Read’s and Dave Johnston’s marine conservation biology class were asked who they would take with them if they ever got the chance to return to the remote refuge.

Although they briefly considered a variety of candidates— including prime ministers and presidents, famous scientists and other world leaders—the students quickly settled on an unexpected, but intriguing, consensus choice.

Oprah Winfrey.

“I’d definitely take Oprah,” said Sarah Rider. “She’s really high profile. People trust her and listen to what she says. She could help get the word out about this amazing place.”

“She’s someone who is influential enough to bring about change,” agreed Joanna Bounds.

Millions of people watch Winfrey’s TV show and read her magazine, Stuart Brown noted. “You could try to get elected officials like President Bush or the Japanese or Thai prime minister out there, but in the final analysis,” he said, “Oprah would likely do more good.”