Big Island Youth Summit empowers keiki to be changemakers

Around 20 keiki grades 4-8 gathered Saturday at Ke Kula ‘O ‘Ehunuikaimalino in South Kona to learn how they can take action and create positive change in their communities.

The Big Island Youth Summit, sponsored by the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association’s Human and Civil Rights Committee, encouraged student discussion about food insecurity, reef conservation, animal endangerment, pedestrian safety, immigration, homelessness, and reforestation.

Fifth-grader Dana Cancino-Mendoza from Honaunau School said, “It was an interesting learning experience. We learned about how you can be a changemaker even if you are young.

Guest speakers shared their experiences and knowledge, offering guidance on how young people can make an impact.

Among the speakers were state Rep. Jeanné Kapela (D, South Kona, Na’alehu, Ka’u, Pahala), Board of Education member Kaimana Barcarse, musician and activist Maka Gallinger, Miss Kona Coffee 2023 Shyla Victor, and Little Miss Kona Coffee 2024 Hazel Arrington. These leaders shared their journeys in advocacy and activism, inspiring students to find their own voices.

“I liked hearing Aunty Maka talk about how she uses her music to tell people about how to care about the island,” Cancino-Mendoza said.

Lisandro Cisneros-Garza, also a fifth-grader at Honaunau School, appreciated the opportunity to dive deeper into complex issues.

“The summit helped me understand the problem, to brainstorm solutions, and think of ways to show the community. Ms. Kapela was helpful because she helped me understand more about the issues with immigration,” he said.

Mahalo to everyone who helped put on the event and inspired our keiki to be future change makers in Hawaiʻi.