Hawai‘i County Youth Commission to host first online town hall meeting today

The Hawai‘i County Youth Commission invites the community to its first online town hall meeting at 4 p.m. today.

Join the virtual forum via Zoom to learn more about the commission and speak with some of its members.

The commission is tasked with:

• Identifying the apsirations, needs and concerns of the county’s youth.
• Examining and devising strategies to support or improve existing social, economic, educational, health and recreational programs for youth or develop new programs and submit such recommendations to the Hawai’i County Council and mayor for consideration and action.
• Avising the council and mayor about the effects of legislative policies, needs, assessments, priorities, programs and budgets concerning the county’s youth.

“The Hawaiʻi Island Youth Commission is a dedicated group of young individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in our community,” says the commission’s “About Us” section on its page of the county website. “Our mission is to provide a platform for youth voices to be heard and to actively participate in decision-making processes that affect young people on the island.”

Commissioners engage in various activities and initiatives to address the needs and concerns of Big Island youth.

“We believe that the youth of Hawaiʻi Island have unique perspectives and valuable contributions to make,” the “About Us” section continues. “By amplifying their voices and empowering them to get involved, we aim to create a brighter future for all.”

Commission members are between the ages of 14 and 24 years old at the time of their appointment and serve for staggered terms of 2 years. The panel consists of between 9 and 15 members.

It also selects three adult residents to serve as its advisers.

Meetings are normally conducted once a month.

“They are looking for new members, so be sure to share with anyone you think may be interested in joining this commission,” wrote Hawai‘i County Councilwoman Jenn Kagiwada, who represents downtown Hilo, in a Sept. 27 Facebook post sharing the meeting details.

Click here to participate in today’s town hall meeting.

For more information about the commission, click here. You can also follow the panel on Instagram.