{"id":11057,"date":"2025-05-14T08:18:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T18:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/?p=11057"},"modified":"2025-10-09T09:55:51","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T19:55:51","slug":"2025-student-voice-bridging-climate-and-community-with-hawaiis-first-youth-transportation-council","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/ceb\/2025-student-voice-bridging-climate-and-community-with-hawaiis-first-youth-transportation-council\/","title":{"rendered":"Tingog sa Estudyante: Pagdugtong sa klima ug komunidad sa unang konseho sa transportasyon sa kabatan-onan sa Hawai'i"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"The
The inaugural Hawai\u02bbi Youth Transportation Council gathered for its first meeting on Jan. 3 with a planting ceremony at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Photo courtesy: Carah Kadota \/ Bowers and Kubota<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By Luke Gee, Kealaheke High School <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He ali\u02bbi ka \u02bb\u0101ina, he kauw\u0101 ke kanaka<\/em>. The land is chief; man is servant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As vice chairperson of the Hawai\u02bbi Youth Transportation Council, I know these words are more than just \u02bb\u014dlelo no\u02bbeau \u2014 they represent our kuleana to care for our \u02bb\u0101ina. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living in Hawai\u02bbi, we understand the importance of protecting our land on all fronts. Recent years have brought the issue of climate into a sharp focus as we\u2019ve witnessed coastal erosion eating away at our shorelines and devastating wildfires changing communities forever. Meanwhile, many of us find transportation a significant setback in our daily lives. From public transit to climate activism, the Hawai\u02bbi Youth Transportation Council approaches these issues with the mindset of preserving our islands for generations to come. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Origins: Youth Leading the Way<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Hawai\u02bbi Youth Transportation Council was formed from the Navahine vs. Hawai\u02bbi Department of Transportation (HDOT) settlement, a legal case highlighting the need for youth participation in transportation and climate issues. Our council was established as a working leadership group advising the HDOT on climate mitigation and adaptation commitments and programs. Working directly with HDOT, we bring perspectives that are often missing from the discussion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Council members come from different islands and backgrounds. However, we share everyday experiences with climate advocacy, and a connection to protecting Hawai\u02bbi. We represent our communities’ priorities, values, and needs, bridging the gap between communities and policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Ideas to Action: Our Climate Impact<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Our Council advises HDOT on key climate initiatives, most notably carbon reduction strategies, electric vehicle infrastructure, and the Energy Security & Waste Reduction Plan. We\u2019ve given insightful feedback from a youth perspective and pushed for bolder climate targets and innovative solutions. Our work ensures that climate remains a top priority in future transportation planning. We advocate for climate solutions that benefit all communities and islands, especially those most vulnerable or underrepresented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking Forward: Our Vision for Climate Action and Youth Advocacy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We envision a Hawai\u02bbi where transportation policies enhance both environmental and community well-being. We also hope to build a council that continues to include Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s youth in public policy and action. Our goals include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n