Honolulu's next generation of leaders just took their oath of office, with the Hawaiʻi State Youth Commission (HiYC) welcoming its new youth commissioners in a ceremony officiated by Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke. The event was a familial affair as relatives and special guests convened to celebrate the voices that promise to chart Hawaiʻi's future course.
With members aged 14 to 24, the commission embodies a diverse tapestry of youth from Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island, reflecting the state's varied cultures and communities. These young leaders are appointed through a collaboration of the Governor, the Senate president, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. "The Youth Commission ensures that young people are not just talked about in policymaking — they are part of it," Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke told the gathering, noting the significant role these voices play in shaping lasting policies for Hawaiʻi, according to the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services.
The commission's creation can be traced back to Senator Stanley Chang's aspiration for an empowered youth that led to the passing of Act 106 in 2018, which established HiYC. Amidst the festivities, Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee, an outgoing commissioner, reminisced on his term, stating, "Serving on the commission gave me the opportunity to advocate, share my mana‘o, and connect with passionate peers." Gee further encouraged the new commissioners as they embark on their journey to influence policy change for the betterment of Hawaiʻi, according to the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services.
Leanne Gillespie, the Executive Director of the Office of Youth Services, also shared her optimism, saying, "Working with these young people is an honor. They come to the table with great enthusiasm, optimism, and passion to advocate for a better Hawaiʻi." Gillespie expressed her gratitude toward outgoing commissioners and enthusiasm for the incoming cohort, according to the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services.
The commission has wasted no time diving into their responsibilities, initiating their term with a weekend dedicated to onboarding, training, and community service. As the commission continues to seek new voices, vacancies remain for interested youth looking to make an impact on their state's future. For more details on how to apply, hopefuls can visit the Boards and Commissions page on Governor Josh Green’s website or follow the HiYC's Instagram.
