New Honolulu Youth Commission accepting applications

The first Honolulu Youth Commission is accepting applications for commissioners until July 16. The commission will comprise 15 members appointed from candidates around Oahu and will work as voluntary advisers to the mayor and City Council on issues important to them and their communities.

“Listening to our youth today is an investment in a better tomorrow,” Mayor Rick Blangiardi said Thursday in a release. “I look forward to hearing from the youngest minds across our island and understanding their concerns, challenges and priorities. Not only do our youth have a voice that needs to be heard, their opinions will greatly impact the direction of our City.”

The Honolulu City Council approved Resolution 19-329, which proposed an amendment to the City Charter to establish a Youth Commission. The resolution was introduced by Council Chairman Tommy Waters in De­cember 2019 and approved by voters in November.

“It is about time we include our youth in the policy-making process, given the work we’re doing to address climate change impacts, affordable housing,environmentally responsible public transportation and other matters, to create a sustainable future for them and the coming generations,” Waters said last week in a news release.

Commissioners will serve staggered terms of two years. Of the first appointments, eight members — three appointed by the mayor and one each appointed by the Council members representing Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 — will serve one-year terms. Another seven — three appointed by the mayor and one each appointed by the Council members representing Districts 2, 4, 6 and 8 — will serve two-year terms. Commissioners are expected to attend at least one commission meeting per month.

To qualify for the Youth Commission, commissioners must be between 14 and 24 years old. Anyone under 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian. The commission’s first meeting is scheduled for August. To apply, visit honolulu.gov/yc Opens in a new tab.