Voices of Our Future: Another Successful Youth Advocacy Training in Kaua‘i

From left to right: Kūlia Numazawa-Laranio (9th grade, Kanu O Ka ‘Aina Charter School), Tapu Hakaumotu (2025 Kaua‘i High School graduate), and Caleb Saiki-Fabro (8th grade, Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School) attended the January 7 Kaua‘i County Council meeting at the invitation of Chair Rapozo.

On January 5, Tobacco-Free Kaua‘i (TFK) and Ho‘okele Coalition partnered to host a youth advocacy training during winter break. This training provided young people with an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen their civic voice, and gain practical skills to help shape a healthier future for Kaua‘i.

Presenters Valerie Saiki (TFK) and Tamara Lawrence (Ho‘okele Coalition) guided participants through the Hawai‘i State Capitol website and led them in crafting personal testimony. Students learned how to track legislation and submit testimony when tobacco- or alcohol-related bills are scheduled for hearings during the 2026 legislative session. 

The training concluded with a Q&A discussion featuring Kaua‘i community leaders Ken Herman, Liquor Control Investigator, and Mel Rapozo, Chair of the Kaua‘i County Council. At the end of the conversation, Council Chair Rapozo invited the students to attend the first County Council meeting of the year on January 7. Because school was not in session, participating students were able to attend the morning meeting, which continued into the afternoon. Chair Rapozo formally acknowledged their attendance during the meeting. 

TFK looks forward to seeing how this experience continues to shape these young leaders and what they will bring forward for their community.

Already, one middle school participant submitted an article to Ho‘oha‘aheo, the Hawai‘i State Department of Education’s weekly public school newsletter. You can read about Caleb’s experience in the Student Voices section of the February 4 edition.

For questions about Tobacco-Free Kaua‘i events, contact the Kaua‘i Coordinator Valerie Saiki at valerie@hiphi.org.     

About the host organizations:

Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i (CTFH) 

CTFH and its statewide Youth Council advocate for comprehensive regulation of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to advance health and eliminate the burden of tobacco use in Hawai‘i.

Ho‘okele Coalition 

Ho‘okele Coalition is dedicated to preventing youth substance abuse on Kaua‘i by bringing together youth, parents, schools, and community partners to create a safe, healthy, and drug-free future for the island’s young people. To get involved with the Ho‘okele Coalition, contact Courteney Martin, the Adult Program Coordinator, or Tamara Lawrence, Program Director.