Kawaiokeola "Keola" Wichimai wants to clear beer cans, cigarette butts and fishnets from nearby Kealia Beach on Kauai. Youth legislature
sometimes a family affairKauai participants have
included siblings and cousins
who then amaze their parentsBy Kelliann Shimote
kshimote@starbulletin.com"It smells. It hasn't been cleaned for a while. It feels like you might get germs or disease," said the 16-year-old.
For Wichimai, the act of cleaning after oneself seems to be the solution.
"If you see something, pick it up."
Wichimai is one of the 34 youth lawmakers at the state Capitol participating in 'Aha 'Opio, a youth legislative program. The 14th annual weeklong event is sponsored by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. 'Aha 'Opio means "a gathering of the youth."
This year's participants, going through the same procedures state legislators use, are being educated on environmental issues and native Hawaiian rights, values and history.
Past participants include Wichimai's brother, Keikilani, 24, and cousin Paradise "Tita" Keale, 20."At first I wasn't too sure," Kawaiokeola Wichimai said. "I never know what I was going to do. I didn't know if I was going to fit in. I was telling myself I should be doing better stuff than this bill-writing things, but they encouraged me to come."
Keikilani Wichimai and Keale both enjoy advising Kawaiokeola along with other students.
"For me I feel like it's a step for my brother. I feel like introducing him to government, to how laws are formed, at the same time watching everyone else together as one family," said Keikilani.
Keale also shares Keikilani's enthusiasm.
"Seeing Keola coming back is an honor. We went through it and we can help them (students and Kawaiokeola Wichimai)," Keale said.
OHA program specialist Ka'iulani Vincent said only high school juniors are selected because they are in the process of choosing their careers.
Kawaiokeola Wichimai has plans on attending a junior college on Kauai and majoring in computer engineering.
"I love to do stuff with my hands," he said. "It's really exciting."
But for now, Wichimai envisions changes for the island of Kauai as well as the state. A clean neighborhood is one of his concerns.
"My neighborhood is not too clean because there is too many rusted cars," he said.
Wichimai also sees a future Hawaiian Olympics in the islands. Paddling and 'ulu maika -- a game similar to bowling -- would be part of the event.
After learning about parliamentary procedure, Wichimai understands the process involved in improving Hawaii.
"We get an understanding of what's going on in Hawaii so we can try to make Hawaii a better place to live for Hawaiians," Kawaiokeola Wichimai said.
Throughout the week, students will be writing bills about issues that interest them. Then the youth lawmakers will read and debate the bills in the House and Senate chambers.
"We bring up problems in Hawaii that we would like to change," said Mia Akau, 16, from Honokaa High School.
Akau wants to impose a moratorium on future development on Mauna Kea.
Shayne Gaison-Evangelista, 17, wants to increase funding for nonprofit organizations that benefit native Hawaiians.
After the event all of the bills will be reviewed by the staff.
"Copies of the bills normally will be sent to all the legislators who said they would like to see them," said OHA research and development officer Rona Rodenhurst.
Today, a number of the staffers will share their insights and experience with the students.
"From the early years, once one sibling comes, they send the rest of the family after that," Vincent said. "Many times parents are amazed at the change.
"We're waiting for one of them to run for office."