Youth Summit to Reveal Student Voices

By Ric Ornellas

On Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, the Kaunakakai Elementary School Cafeteria will transform into a hub of student advocacy and community connection for the 4th Annual Molokai Youth Summit. Running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the summit continues its mission of bringing forward to the Molokai community the voices of our 21st-century youth and future leaders.

Since its inception, the summit has prioritized providing opportunities to hear the authentic voices of keiki o ka ʻāina, Molokai students. This year’s theme poses a direct, provocative question to students in grades 1–12 across both public and private schools: “What do I want from my school?”

To answer this, students participated in a simple, anonymous hand-written survey. The raw data is being synthesized through the Hawaii Department of Education’s cultural program filters — Nā Hopena A’o (HA) — to provide a holistic view of student needs. Early results from more than a hundred Molokai High School students have already surfaced, showing an unexpected focus on key indicators: Strengthened Senses of Belonging, Responsibility, Excellence, Aloha, Total Well-being, and Hawaii. The first letters of each indicator combine to spell “BREATH” — HĀ.

“The teen responses we’ve seen so far are serious and insightful,” said Laura Peterson, one of four teacher-organizers. “They aren’t just asking for better services; they are asking for a deeper connection to their culture and each other. This data offers parents, teachers, and administrators an unfiltered look into the minds of our youth.”

State Sen. Lynn DeCoite is scheduled to speak and respond to the student generated needs, concerns and general topics.

The summit is designed to be as engaging as it is informative:

• Student Leadership: Four Molokai High School students will lead the summit’s games and activities, ensuring the energy remains high and student-centered.
• Prizes & Passports: Attendees who complete “Summit Passports” by visiting various booths will be eligible for hourly door prizes.
• Community Resources: On-island social service agencies will be present to offer support and answer questions for families.
• Family Fun: Younger students can enjoy dedicated games, while local food vendors will be on-site selling various goodies and munchies.

The 4th Annual Molokai Youth Summit is made possible by the Hawaii State Teachers Association through the Human Civil Rights Committee’s Hoʻokaulike grant. HSTA has provided financial support and guidance for four years. HSTA President Osa Tui will be in attendance to speak and engage with the Molokai community.

All students, parents and community members are encouraged to attend this vital conversation about the future of education on Molokai.

The Molokai Youth Summit is an annual event dedicated to empowering local students to share their educational experiences and visions for the future. By utilizing the HA framework, the summit ensures that student growth is measured through a lens of cultural and community health.