Honolulu Youth Commission accepting applications for Commissioners
Applications for Commissioners on the first-ever Honolulu Youth Commission will be accepted beginning Thursday, June 17, 2021 through Friday, July 16, 2021. The Youth Commission will be comprised of fifteen (15) members, appointed from candidates across the island, to serve as voluntary advisors to the Mayor and City Council on issues important to youth and their communities.
“Listening to our youth today is an investment in a better tomorrow,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “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.”
On July 8, 2020 the Honolulu City Council approved Resolution 19-329, which proposed an amendment to the City Charter to establish a Youth Commission. Current Council Chair Tommy Waters introduced the resolution in December 2019 and more than 50% of Honolulu voters said “yes” to the creation of a city Youth Commission in November 2020.
“It is about time we include our youth in the policymaking 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,” said Tommy Waters, author of the successful Charter Amendment and chair and presiding officer of the Honolulu City Council. “I hope the public will observe and support the efforts of these commission members, who are likely to become the future leaders of the City and County of Honolulu.”
To qualify, commissioners must be between the ages of fourteen (14) and twenty-four (24). To apply, visit https://honolulu.gov/yc. The deadline to apply for the Honolulu Youth Commission is July 16, 2021. Individuals younger than eighteen (18) will need permission from a parent or guardian to apply. The Youth Commission’s fifteen (15) members will be selected in July, with the first meeting scheduled in August 2021.
Commissioners will serve staggered terms of two (2) years. The initial appointments are as follows:
- One (1) year term: Eight (8) members, three (3) appointed by the mayor and one (1) each appointed by the councilmembers representing districts 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9.
- Two (2) year term: Seven (7) members, three (3) appointed by the mayor and one (1) each appointed by the councilmembers representing districts 2, 4, 6, and 8.
Because this is an active commission, commissioners will be expected to attend at least one (1) commission meeting per month. Additional commitment(s) may be necessary subject to the needs of the commission.
