New podcast spotlights Hawaiʻi Island ʻōpio choosing to build future at home

What if the most powerful story young people are told is this: You don’t have to leave home to succeed.

For years, many ʻōpio, or youth/youngsters, received a subtle message that opportunity exists elsewhere — that in order to grow, they must go.

“The Best and The Brightest” podcast was created to shift that narrative.

Vibrant Hawaiʻi is introducing the podcast this year with renewed intention — to challenge the long-standing narrative that Hawaiʻi’s most promising ʻōpio must leave the island to succeed.

“‘The Best and [The] Brightest’ podcast highlights young leaders … who are creating change in their communities and choosing to build their future right here at home,” said an April 15 Facebook post by Vibrant Hawaiʻi.

Nominations are open and close at 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 24. They can be submitted online, and self-nominations are welcome.

Community members are encouraged to nominate ʻōpio ages 16 to 24 years old whose leadership is demonstrated through service and advocacy for Hawaiʻi Island — through organizing, volunteering or speaking up for issues that matter to their generation.

Selected ʻōpio will receive a gift certificate to a Hawaiʻi Island startup clothing brand, $100 cash and featured in an episode of “The Best and The Brightest.”

“We invite educators, employers, mentors, community members and ʻōpio themselves to submit nominations,” said the nonprofit in announcing the return of the podcast. “If you know an ʻōpio whose leadership, commitment and love for Hawaiʻi Island deserves to be seen and celebrated, nominate them.”

Submit a nomination and review full eligibility details at the Vibrant Hawaiʻi website.