HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0812.005 2020-2022 Plcowcll
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June 28, 2022
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Aloha kakou e, Chair Maile Medeiros David and members of the County Council o
Ha ai`i.
For the record my name is Makanaohaililani Ripley and I am asking you to vote yes on
County Council Bill 175, for the establishment of a Youth Commission within the County
Council of Hawaii.
I am 23-year-old Kanaka Maoli from Pi'ihonua, Hawaii. I am a 2017 graduate of
Kamehameha Schools Kea'au Campus and will be a 2022 graduate of Western Oregon
University from which I will be receiving my Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication
Studies and Forensic Psychology. During my time in Oregon I established the first center
for students of color on the Western Oregon University's Campus located in Monmouth,
Oregon. I was able to secure $250,000 of private, state, and University budget funding to
open a space, hire fellow students, and create a board of directors that would determine
the future and sustainability of the center. In order for me to accomplish this goal, I spent
many hours engaging in local and state government meetings and connection
opportunities, lobbying for this cause. It was through those experiences that I was able to
learn and cultivate my passion for positive community change. When I returned home to
take care of my family this year, I immediately felt like how I did when I was a highschool
student back in 2016, "some kid with no say". I have always wished that there were more
opportunities for the youth of our island to have a voice and seat at the table with our
local and state representatives.Then I came across Bill 175 for the establishment of the
Youth Commission.
When I first saw the text of this bill, I was ecstatic. All of the hopes and dreams I had as a
youth in this community that wants to engage with those who represent us are very well
addressed. I can tell you firmly that Bill 175 is a very good policy for our island community,
and is very urgent. CommN 1 1.
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Not only will this bill give much needed voice to our youth, but I firmly believe it will
foster healthier decision making on our Hawaii County Council and all branches of
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government. This bill is a "way-finder" bill. Cour kupuna didn't know exactly where they
were going to end up when they set sail to find our home, Hawaii, in 400 C.E., but they
knew that they could only get there if they worked together and made sure everyone on
board had a voice and an opportunity to be heard. This bill pays homage to that bravery
and strength that our kupuna exhibited all those manyyears ago. I want Hawaii Island
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and all of Hawaii, to be the example for the rest of the world by sending the message
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that everyone in Hawaii matters and that we are actively creating spaces for all voices to
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be heard at the table. That is a legacy that I know you will be proud of in the many years
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to come.
Mahalo to County Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz for authorizing and introducing this
mesure, on behalf of all of the youth on Hawaii Island. Please do vote yes on Bill 175, and
I hope we can continue to work together to ensure that all of our po'e are heard and
valued.
Thankyou for your time and opportunity for my voice to be heard
Humbly,
Makanaohaililani Ripley
(808) 895-65011 makanaohaililanir@gmail.com