PhD Scholar in Land Management and Development
Admitted Semester 1, 2025
Holomesi Finau has been awarded the prestigious U.S.-Pacific Resilience and Adaptation Fellowship Program (US-PRAFP) Scholarship, a fully funded three-year award to pursue his PhD in Land Management and Development at the University of the South Pacific.
Holomesi’s research focuses on strengthening customary land security for sustainable development in Tonga, with particular emphasis on economic development, climate adaptation, and resilience. His work explores the complexities of land tenure, access, and security within the Kingdom of Tonga, investigating how traditional land systems can be adapted to meet the demands of contemporary development. His goal is to encourage investment in land and empower Tongans to enhance their livelihoods while preserving cultural integrity.
Before commencing his doctoral studies, Holomesi earned a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He has professional experience in the tourism industry in Hawaii and municipal public works with Orem City, Utah.
Beyond academia, Holomesi is a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo, a professional cultural dancer, and a fitness enthusiast. Driven by his passion for health and wellness, he aspires to establish Tonga’s largest fitness centre, promoting physical and mental well-being alongside national development.
Email: mecg.mk@gmail.com / s11227429@student.usp.ac.fj
