By Luke Gee, Kealaheke High School 

He aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauwā ke kanaka. The land is chief; man is servant.

As vice chairperson of the Hawaiʻi Youth Transportation Council, I know these words are more than just ʻōlelo noʻeau — they represent our kuleana to care for our ʻāina. 

Living in Hawaiʻi, 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’ve 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 Hawaiʻi Youth Transportation Council approaches these issues with the mindset of preserving our islands for generations to come. 

Our Origins: Youth Leading the Way

The Hawaiʻi Youth Transportation Council was formed from the Navahine vs. Hawaiʻi 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. 

Council members come from different islands and backgrounds. However, we share everyday experiences with climate advocacy, and a connection to protecting Hawaiʻi. We represent our communities’ priorities, values, and needs, bridging the gap between communities and policies.

From Ideas to Action: Our Climate Impact

Our Council advises HDOT on key climate initiatives, most notably carbon reduction strategies, electric vehicle infrastructure, and the Energy Security & Waste Reduction Plan. We’ve 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.

Looking Forward: Our Vision for Climate Action and Youth Advocacy

We envision a Hawaiʻi where transportation policies enhance both environmental and community well-being. We also hope to build a council that continues to include Hawaiʻi’s youth in public policy and action. Our goals include:

• Ensuring equity in the transition to zero-emission public transportation statewide
• Developing transportation networks that reduce overall carbon emissions 
• Establishing Hawaiʻi as a model for tropical climate resilience worldwide 
• Ensuring climate mitigation efforts consider cultural knowledge and practices 

Join Us: The Power of Community in Climate Action

This is where we need you!

Effective climate action requires community involvement at every level. Supporting our council will help your community and help us set a standard for climate action worldwide. 

You can help our council by:

• Sharing your observations of climate impacts and experiences with public transit 
• Sharing community events where we can promote and spread awareness about the Council 
• Connecting us with climate leaders and cultural practitioners 
• Advocate alongside us for a sustainable future

For more information, visit the Youth Council Website, contact us at [email protected] or call 808-587-2172. You can also add yourself to the Youth Council Information List to receive future updates about the Council. 

We focus on community outreach and appreciate any opportunity to discuss the council at community events! We have members across every island and prioritize involving our council with the community as much as possible. You can help by sharing this newsletter with your friends, family, or anyone you think would be interested! We especially encourage other youth to reach out about joining future councils or supporting our climate initiatives. Your passion for protecting our islands drives us to make meaningful change. 

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our generation. However, climate change also represents our ability to unite our community and face issues as a state. Together, we can create a climate-resilient future for Hawaiʻi.