Historic Hawaiʻi youth climate victory community event planned in Waimea

Hawaiʻi’s landmark youth climate victory will be the focus of an upcoming community event hosted by Parker School in Waimea.

The event starts at 5:30 p.m. March 11 and will feature representatives from nonprofit public interest law firm Our Children’s Trust, known for elevating youth voices in climate advocacy, along with youth leaders connected to Hawaiʻi’s landmark climate case Navahine v. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation.

Thirteen young people from throughout Hawaiʻi in June 2024 reached a historic settlement agreement with the state of Hawaiʻi that transformed the way Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation addresses greenhouse gas emissions.

The agreement marked the first youth-led constitutional climate case settlement of its kind in the nation and affirmed the role young people can play in shaping public policy and protecting natural resources for future generations.

Attorneys from Our Children’s Trust will share insights into the case and ongoing work to keep the state accountable followed by remarks from a youth leader and panel discussion with opportunities for community questions and conversation.

“This event is about more than a legal victory,” said Parker School Head of School Stephen Dunn in announcing the upcoming event. “It’s about civic engagement, kuleana for our environment and empowering young people to understand that their voices matter. We are proud to provide a space for our community to learn from these inspiring youth leaders.”

Doors open at 5:15 p.m. at Parker School Theater, located at 65-1224 Lindsey Road, in Waimea.

Community members, students, families and local leaders are encouraged to attend and participate in this conversation about climate responsibility and youth leadership in Hawaiʻi.

The event is free and open to the public.

Contact Parker School at 808-885-7933 for additional information or any questions.