A Charter Amendment
Our office proudly introduced Bill 175, a Charter Amendment approved by the electorate in November 2022, to establish a Youth Commission within the County. The Commission provides a formalized space for ‘opio (youth) from every district on the island to gain insights into how government works and weigh in on issues that impact them.
Comprising 15 Hawai‘i Island youth aged 14-24, the Youth Commission serves as a catalyst for increased civic engagement among young residents. It grants youth direct access to local leadership, offering opportunities to discuss challenges, propose solutions, and ultimately strengthen their capacity to exercise their voice in matters of importance to their peers.
Makana Ripley, a Hawai‘i Island youth, shared her perspective on the charter amendment, stating: “All of the hopes and dreams I had as a youth in this community that wants to engage with those who represent us are very well addressed. Not only will this bill give much needed voice to our youth, but I firmly believe it will foster healthier decision making on our Hawaiʻi County Council and all branches of government.” The engagement of youth like Makana assures a promising future for our community.
CD4 Youth Commissioner: Benjamin Rudo
Our office proudly appointed Benjamin Rudo to represent Council District 4 in the inaugural cohort of the Youth Commission. Ben brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community service to his role. A graduate of Connections Charter School, he currently serves as a Community Resilience Fellow for Vibrant Hawai‘i. Known for his kindness, diligence, and infectious enthusiasm, Ben is passionate about nature, sustainability, and cultural awareness. Ben joins 14 other exceptional ‘ōpio (youth) from across Hawai‘i Island who share his dedication to making a positive impact in our community. Together, they will engage in policy discussions, elevate youth voices, and contribute to the collective well-being of our island.
High School Internship
In June - December 2023, our office launched its inaugural high school internship program in collaboration with the Hawai‘i Academy of Arts & Science (HAAS). This pilot project aimed to provide four high school students with a unique opportunity to enhance their civic engagement skills.
Over the course of six months, we provided mentorship to these students, guiding them as they identified community issues and developed potential solutions. Through this hands-on experience, they honed their communication and collaboration skills, gaining valuable insights into local governance and community leadership.
We are thrilled to announce that due to the success of the program, we will be offering this opportunity again in 2025 to talented young adults in our Puna community. By nurturing the next generation of leaders, we are making a strategic investment in the future success and vitality of our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our inaugural cohort of HAAS students: ‘Āina Perry, Shyley Alvarez, Mariell Banks, and Z Garber.
