The Hawaii State Youth Commission (HiYC) is made up of 15 youth aged 14 to 24. Appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and Speaker of the House, the HiYC advises the Governor and State Legislature on the impacts of public policies on Hawaii’s youth. The HiYC also organizes events and works with other organizations to spread awareness about crucial issues. As a recent appointee to the HiYC, I've had the opportunity to assist in organizing a voter registration drive, collaborate with the Ma'i Movement Hawaii to create 300 menstrual kits to address period poverty and plan a local official webinar to connect the concerns of the youth to elected officials. 

Before the start of the legislative session, I was also elected as the Education/Higher Education Legislative Lead; therefore, allowing me to lead a committee of 10 members in galvanizing grassroots support and compiling testimony for education-related bills in the Hawaii State Legislature. Our legislative package—consisting of 9 bills—aims to address several issues facing the youth, including access to healthy school lunches and improving financial literacy. The opportunity to peer inside the legislative process is especially fascinating due to the proactive nature of laws when trying to address complex problems. Gaining this knowledge not only helps me to implement proactive solutions but also allows me to spread this crucial information to other passionate youth so that they can create meaningful change that positively impacts the world.

As you’re reading this, cesspools are releasing thousands of gallons of toxic wastewater, polluting Hawaii’s aquifers, and threatening clean water access. Although Hawaii faces numerous pressing issues, the impact of cesspools on clean water access is the most urgent. In short, cesspools are underground concrete containers that store sewage from residences not connected to the mainline sewer system. Compared to other states, Hawaii has the most cesspools per capita, but the State hasn't fully addressed the current situation. Since cesspools are primarily in low-income areas, they are hard to remove since Hawai’i residents can’t afford alternative wastewater solutions. Simultaneously, thousands of tons of plastic continue to pollute our oceans and beaches, threatening the health of our oceans. Learning about these issues inspired me to establish Motion for the Ocean and Wastewater Warriors to help combat water pollution. Through organizing beach clean-ups and classroom lessons, it allowed my organization to spread awareness about theses issue and implement more proactive solutions. 

Aside from Speech and Debate, Model UN is another activity that I have ruthlessly pursued over the years, but for different reasons. While Speech and Debate highlight an individual's skill in effectively communicating your ideals and persuading your opponents, Model UN focuses on cooperation and compromise. In Model UN, the participants—known as delegates—pose as ambassadors of a country in a committee; at higher levels, delegates will often be individuals. The committee topics can range from human rights to the Cold War, Space Race, Trojan War, or even Pixar movies. Regardless of the topic, the essence of Model UN remains the same, collaboration with others toward a common goal, even if it may mean outmaneuvering your enemies to achieve victory.

Through the many conferences I have attended, one message remains true: you must cooperate and compromise with others. Even if you think you have power, it is integral to build alliances and support when trying to pass a resolution or get anything done. Further, due to the chaotic nature of Model UN, a delegate must be prepared for any scenario that is thrown at you. This combination of quick thinking and collaboration isn't an easy skill to learn, but it helps delegates quickly analyze situations and propose proactive solutions to the complex problems that arise.