By Mia Nishiguchi, Kalani High School
Living in a safe and healthy climate is not a privilege–but our fundamental right.
Hawai‘i is a melting pot of cultures and people. Our precious ʻāina and ocean define our way of life. Connection to the ʻāina is often disregarded in our world of distractions; we constantly take our beautiful islands for granted. Hawai‘i is on the frontlines of climate change consisting of sea level rise, coastal erosion, droughts on Maui and Lahaina wildfires. These devastations are constant reminders that climate change is not a distant threat. These issues are precedent and we need to demand immediate, informed action. Our youth and future generations are endangered without taking action and responsibility now.
Youth are the leaders of tomorrow; and today. Young people from all over the state are stepping up to take leading action on these precedent issues. One example is with Climate Future Forum, where we amplify youth voices, ensuring that young people aren’t just included in changing environmental decision-making, but leading it head-on. We represent a group of high school students worried about the state of our climate. A few years ago, Climate Future Forum held the first event at the State Capitol to get youth involved in the legislative process. In November of 2024, we held the biggest Climate Future Forum event we’ve seen yet with 20+ participating organizations, 80+ youth leaders engaged in meaningful discussions with lawmakers, five dynamic policy groups, multiple media coverage and many committed legislators. However, our youth mustn’t be the only ones to take the initiative to help preserve their futures.
Through personal experience interning at the State Capitol for Representative Kapela and drafting a resolution for a DOE-recognized Climate Week to be proposed in this legislative session, I have gained immense insight into the ins and outs of the legislative branch. The resolution drafting process allows me to connect with youth and government officials to make the change I wish to see in our communities. Taking the initiative to introduce climate-related issues to our youth is an opportunity I hold dear to my heart. I aim to pass our resolution in hopes of empowering students to take actionable steps toward areas of interest, specifically regarding sustainable futures. I plan on incorporating and providing resources to encourage them to amplify their voices in decision-making. A Climate Week would be tremendously impactful for DOE schools. I envision a week where students initiate discussions about climate change, brainstorm new ideas, and feel inspired to take their initiatives to the legislative branch. The week would open doors to new initiatives and places of passion for students to create actionable change. I’ve learned that policies impacting our environment can be implemented and pushed with the right amount of pressure and advocacy.
Creating change in legislation once seemed like a job for adults and not a place for youth to have a voice. Through organizations like Climate Future Forum, Legislators like Representative Kapela, and youth leaders I collaborate with daily, I have realized that we all have a powerful voice to be exerted. We have every right to demand legislation that prioritizes renewable energy,
climate education within schools and our overall future. We all have the right to submit testimony in favor or denial of specific bills, to organize events, to amplify our voices, and to advocate for a better future for forthcoming generations.
They say the future belongs to the next generation, but our future is being decided now. Policies, industries, and leaders are prioritizing profit over the fate of our future. We have the right to fight for a safe and healthy climate as stated in the Navahine Plaintiff case results and recognized by Gov. Green. Global and local disasters remind us all that inaction is not an option if we want a liveable future. We must utilize our rights and shield the future we wish to see. One thought, one concept, or one idea can be the beginning of a globally-changing initiative. It’s time we quit complaining and begin fighting. Fighting for a clean future is our fundamental right and we shall not stop until our voices are heard, policies are changed, and our future is secure.
Mia Nishiguchi is a junior at Kalani High School and an intern for Rep. Jeanné Kapela through the Keiki Caucus Legislative Internship. She also serves as an O’ahu Representative on the Hawai’i Department of Transportation Youth Council, a youth policy leader for the Climate Future Forum and the Hawai’i Youth Food Council, and a NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador. She plans to study political science and international relations and aspires to continue amplifying youth voices and stay active in the Legislative branch. During her free time, she enjoys making matcha, traveling, vlogging and hanging out with loved ones.
