DLNR News Release – YOUTH INVITED TO LEAD AT CLIMATE SUMMIT

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

KA 'OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI 'ĀINA

RYAN K.P. KANAKA'OLE

CHAIRPERSON

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

DAVID D. DAY

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE

HAWAIʻI YOUTH INVITED TO LEAD AT THE STATE CAPITOL YOUTH CLIMATE SUMMIT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 13, 2026

HONOLULU - Hawaiʻi's next generation of climate leaders, student advocates and young visionaries are invited to the Youth Climate Summit at the state capitol on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The summit will bring keiki, teens and young adults together to engage directly with policymakers, master the legislative process and champion real action for a healthier, safer and more affordable Hawaiʻi.

This high-energy, family friendly event will be co-hosted by the Hawaiʻi State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission (CCMAC) and the Climate Future Forum. Participants will have a proven platform to pitch their vision, collaborate with decision-makers and drive tangible legislative solutions for local communities.

Event details:

Where: Hawaiʻi State Capitol Rotunda

When: Saturday, October 24, 2026

12 p.m. - 3 p.m. (Youth speeches begin at noon)

Cost: FREE (All keiki, students and families welcome)

Perks: Live local music, free lunch (while supplies last), networking with environmental groups and eco-friendly prize giveaways!

The summit isn't only about sharing ideas - it's about turning youth perspectives into policy. Past youth participants have actively shaped state climate strategy, including co-authoring a dedicated youth chapter in the Hawaiʻi Climate Action Pathways (HICAP) plan to build a more resilient Hawaiʻi. Through hands-on experience, participants build essential communications skills, learn to draft legislative proposals and practice presenting directly to lawmakers.

"Young voices are essential to the climate movement because the decisions being made today directly define the world we inherit tomorrow," shared a former summit participant. "Our lived experiences and insights matter and the Youth Climate Summit provides a crucial platform that allows us to turn our shared concern into legislative solutions for Hawaiʻi's future."

Youth Climate Summit Flyer 2026

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