For Immediate Release: November 29, 2022
Press Release by:
Kelly Takaya King, Former Councilmember
Maui County Council
media@mauicounty.us
Maui County Youth Council to deliberate on 2022 final Youth Legislative Package
KĪHEI, Hawaiʻi—Councilmember Kelly Takaya King announced that the Maui County Youth Council of 2022 will hold its final meeting on Monday, Dec. 5 at 1:30 p.m.
The Maui County Youth Council is a pilot project proposed by King and established by the Maui County Council via Resolution 21-199 to explore youth engagement in county government.
“It was my hope the youth council would provide an avenue for young people to express their stance on issues facing the next generation of our community,” said King. “I am inspired to see these high school students accept this opportunity to engage with their communities and learn about the local government process.”
King said the body of high school students met with councilmembers and community leaders to learn about county government and local issues over the past few months. On Dec. 5, the nine youth councilmembers will introduce resolutions they drafted during the previous year.
Resolutions, which are adopted by a majority vote of the youth council at its final meeting, will be compiled into the “Youth Legislative Package of 2022.” This will be transmitted via county communication to the Maui County Council at its Dec.16 meeting.
“The youth council has come up with wide-ranging and insightful resolutions representing their policy concerns,” said King.
Axel Beers, senior executive assistant for Former Councilmember King and former social studies teacher, is their advisor.
“This project was intended to give young people a voice on issues that impact their community,” Beers said. “It explores any interest among our next generation in learning about county issues, taking a leadership role, and making recommendations to our county leaders.”
“Through working with the youth council and reviewing their draft resolutions, I believe there is a strong interest among youth to contribute ideas for bettering our community,” Beers said.
The youth council includes Chair Therese Nicholle Ignacio, Vice-Chair India Buchanan, and Officer Pro Tempore Natalie Petty, who were nominated and elected by the youth councilmembers, and Dylan Arisumi, Raje Bluml, Dylan Bowen, Grace Crowe, Anna Galbreath, and Jacob Janikowski.
The meeting will be held in person in the Council Chamber at Kalana O Maui and virtually at bluejeans.com/673413908. Public testimony will be accepted, and an agenda and copies of the youth council resolutions are attached.
“I encourage the public, and young people especially, to attend and provide testimony on the proposed youth council resolutions,” said King. “Civic engagement and education are important for a robust government, and by supporting this initiative, we can help to ensure that Maui County is representing and serving its next generation.”
To view the agenda and resolutions, please click here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aU6MtAEf88We82v39wni0BotuNKBRwK3/view?usp=sharing
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