3rd Annual Molokai Youth Summit

Community Contributed
By Ric Ornellas

The third annual M.Y. Molokai Youth Summit kicks off this Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Molokai High School (MHS) cafeteria from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Six to eight student panelists venturing beyond their comfort zones will present, question and discuss their concerns: Molokai unemployment, homelessness in Hawaii, athlete resources, cultural comprehension, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s reproductive healthcare. These are not topics adults would normally consider to have teens talk about.

The overall summit theme is “Hua” – who are you? These students are exploring the theme as they simultaneously tackle thorny issues which could affect their adult lives. The summit also aligns with the MHS mission statement which pledges “to expand our horizons while utilizing Molokai’s unique community and resources.”

MHS student panelists are David “Kolu” Ainoa, Kahakuha’kai Laemoa-Hamakua, Braeden Cabael Kaahanui. Ryan “Iki” Kaneali’i, Brian Gomes, Tierra Kaai, and Kualapu’u Charter School sixth grader, Waila’ahia Lima-Maioho. Simulating real-life, the panelists are working for salaries, provided by a grant, to give students practice time to hone work skills, team build and meet job deadlines.

The keynote speaker is Mele Kaneali’i, a 2023 MHS graduate and current sophomore at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, with a full-ride Questbridge Scholarship covering all expenses. After the keynote, all panelists will join Mele and the audience for a lively question and answer discussion. Akakau’s Dan Emhoff will video the event.

The summit will also feature display tables of social service agencies, clubs, organizations and businesses that support youth. Summit guests who visit all tables and get their summit passports stamped will be entered into a drawing for a $100 prize. The winner must be present. As in the past two years, all Molokai public schools are invited to participate with student writings and artwork. There will be food for sale.

The Molokai chapter of the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) is the primary summit sponsor with financial grants from HSTA and Libraries Transforming Communities. This event is free and open to the public. Parking in the side parking lot behind the cafeteria is permitted. Any questions can be directed to Diane Mokuau at Diane.Mokuau@k12.hi.us or to 808-567-7115 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The schedule is as follows: 8:45 a.m. registration; 9:00 opening protocol; 9:20 table visits; 10:20 panel; 11:20 keynote speaker, Mele Kaneali’i; 11:50 drawing and closing protocol.