Hilo

Physical Description

Hilo is a bronze-skinned man with a lanky figure. He has earthen-colored hair that sits high on his forehead, which is adorned with the traditional risian circular marking between his thin eyebrows. Although of above-average stature, Hilo does not seem to take up much physical space, making him rather unassuming despite his height. Hilo's facial features are friendly but a little severe, giving the man a bookish look while maintaining approachability. Hilo's body language is naturally open and inviting, and when excited or impassioned he tends to utilize his hands for emphasis.

"There's a debate about whether hand gestures are persuasive. I tend to think being genuine is the best tactic, whether than includes hand gestures or not."

Personality

Hilo prides himself first and foremost on being a mediator and facilitator. Rarely one to have a stubborn opinion, Hilo takes great care to consider situations from multiple points of view, often actively seeking out the perspectives of others around him. He values the unique inputs of others and does his best to support the talents of his fellow crew members both in professional and personal settings. Hilo is difficult to fluster, and is almost indefinitely in a pleasant mood, perhaps to the point of bewilderment to others. Hilo is renowned for his fidelity to the risian cultural tenant of hospitality, and strives to make those around him feel safe and welcomed.

"Everyone in Starfleet has something meaningful to contribute. Sometimes, it's not about answering the question yourself, but instead asking it to the right person."

Profession

Hilo is a young counselor in his career, having only served on a couple small Federation ships that mostly operated within Federation space. He completed a couple years of teaching at the San Francisco Starfleet Academy immediately before his arrival on the Challenger, where he instructed cadets on conflict deescalation and resolution. Hilo is an enthusiastic officer who has received nothing but good recommendations from officers that he served with in the past. Hilo entered Starfleet specifically to become a counselor, feeling that his natural disposition as a negotiator was an asset best used to help others directly, rather than in a profession like politics.

"Knowing how to address internal conflicts between the crew is just as important as mediating external squabbles between factions."

Biography

Hilo was born on Risa and benefited from the laissez faire attitude of the planet's culture, which allowed him to have a relaxed and happy childhood. Growing up, Hilo was fascinated by the tourists that visited his world, and took jobs from a young age at resorts that allowed him to converse with visitors from all over the Alpha and Beta quadrants. Hilo was entranced by tales of the experiences of Starfleet personnel that stopped at Risa for shore leave and decided to study hard to apply for the Starfleet Academy. When he was accepted as a teenager, Hilo travled to Earth to attend the San Francisco Starfleet Academy. Since graduating, Hilo has been a loyal Starfleet officer, happy to go where he is needed and thriving most when mediating conflicts within Federation space.

"Starfleet sounded so magical when I was a kid... little did I know that even those fairy tales didn't do it justice!"

Medical

Hilo is a healthy individual with no major notes on his medical record. He is a rather thin man, and recently he has taken up exercising in a way meant to change that. He has altered his diet to include more protein, for example, and his favorite activity is boxing. He will occasionally have abrasions on his knuckles from hitting the punching bag regularly.

"Boxing is a healthy coping mechanism if I've ever heard of one! Good for the body, mind, and spirit!"