HONOLULU (HI Now) - Ahead of the general election, eleven students from across Hawaiʻi pae ʻāina stepped into the spotlight on Oct. 28 to lead a live town hall broadcast on HI Now Daily from Hawaii News Now about civic engagement and issues facing Hawaiʻi.
These emerging ʻōiwi leaders shared their takes on some of the most pressing issues, like tourism and outmigration, while calling on their peers to embrace their kuleana to vote. This panel is part of Our Kaiāulu Votes, an ʻōiwi-led movement empowering ʻōpio, ʻōiwi and kamaʻāina to use their voices to help shape the future of the islands.
“This ʻōpio town hall is exactly what Our Kaiāulu Votes is about – empowering our young people to advocate and shape the future of Hawaiʻi,” said Manuwai Peters, a senior coordinating project manager at Kamehameha Schools. “By engaging their peers on critical issues, these students are showing that our lāhui’s strength lies in the hands of the next generation.”
Sponsored by Kamehameha Schools and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the panel featured ʻōpio from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha Schools Maui, Ka ʻŪmeke Kāʻeo Public Charter School, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala, Ke Kula ʻO ‘Ehunuikaimalino, Mid-Pacific Institute, Chaminade University and Windward Community College.
The panel was moderated by HI Now hosts Kainoa Carlson and Rachel Pacarro as well as guest host Mehana Hind of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, who facilitated the discussion with several haumāna in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.
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Voting is a civic tradition in Hawaiian history and Our Kaiāulu Votes is reigniting that spirit with walk to the box events and panels like this one. To learn more about Our Kaiāulu Votes, visit vote.kanaeokana.net.
There is still time to make your voice heard. Make sure to return your completed ballot to your nearest drop-box or Voter Service Center by November 5.
You can still register and vote on the same day at your nearest Voter Service Center. Find more information about voting at elections.hawaii.gov.
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