The Hawaii Department of Transportation is calling for young individuals aged 11 to 24 from across the island chain to apply for positions on the newly formed Hawaii Youth Transportation Council. This initiative, open for applications until November 25, seeks to involve the state's youth directly in transportation decision-making processes with a focus on climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
As reported by the Hawaii Department of Transportation's official website, this Youth Council is set to act as an advisory body, providing the HDOT with insights and recommendations on a variety of issues. These range from increasing electric vehicle charging stations, enhancing pedestrian safety measures, to devising means to effectively communicate with Hawaii's youth and wider community. Governor Josh Green emphasized the state's dedication to achieving its ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets by 2045, stating, "As the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation and all of Hawaiʻi’s residents make changes to drastically lessen our contribution to climate change, we want to empower Hawaiʻi’s youth to work shoulder to shoulder with us. What we build together will be the transportation system that the youth inherit."
Following the Navahine v. Hawaii Department of Transportation climate settlement agreement earlier in June, HDOT was committed to the establishment of a youth council. This group is expected to advise HDOT on its climate commitments quarterly, ensuring that there is transparency concerning the council's recommendations and the department's subsequent responses.
Ed Sniffen, Hawaii Director of Transportation, reiterated the department's eagerness to engage with the youth. "We welcome the Youth Transportation Council to work alongside HDOT to improve climate policy and infrastructure," he stated. According to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation's announcement, the Youth Council will play a significant part in developing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan due by May, which will steer the direction of the state's climate change mitigation efforts. The enthusiastic involvement of the youth is expected to inject creativity and passion into the execution of these climate initiatives across the islands.
In the same announcement, Chairman Pahonu Coleman, echoing the need for collaboration, said, "E alu like mai kākou! Let us work together!" He highlighted the necessity of youth voices at the decision-making table as foundational to a sustainable future. In December, during the winter break period, the Youth Council will conduct its inaugural meeting. The council, as envisioned by HDOT's new Office of Climate Mitigation, Adaptation, and Culture, will define its roles, meeting structures, and areas of focus to ensure a meaningful and impactful experience for its participants. Approximately 20 youths are expected to serve on the council, with reserved seats from each island, representing the priorities, values, and needs of their communities. For more details or to submit an application, interested parties can visit the Hawaii Youth Transportation Council website.
