Kauaʻi next generation leaders launch Pulse Survey to shape 2026 Ka Pewa Youth Summit

Youth leaders from Kauaʻi invite high school students throughout the county to make their voices heard by completing a newly launched Ka Pewa Youth Pulse Survey.

It’s a youth-driven effort — in partnership with Kauaʻi County — designed to capture what matters most to young people.

The survey will directly inform the programming, breakout sessions and resource fair offerings during the 2026 Ka Pewa Youth Summit: Kupu Kelakela from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 28 at Kauaʻi War Memorial Convention Hall.

It is the second of its kind summit in the state, planned and executed in collaboration with Kauaʻi and Maui student interns.

Registration details and updates can be found on Instagram at @kapewayouthsummit. Students are encouraged to follow the account and participate in the Pulse Survey to help shape summit programming.

Kupu Kelakela, meaning “to rise in glory, to grow in greatness,” reflects the summit’s focus on empowering youth to step into leadership, strengthen their connection to place and help shape pathways forward for their communities.

“The Pulse Survey is a way for students to tell us, directly, what they’re thinking about for their future, whether it’s housing and careers, education, mental health or something else,” said youth organizers in an announcement about the survey and upcoming summit. “This summit is being built with youth, not just for youth.”

Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami emphasized the importance of youth participation.

“Our young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are leaders right now,” said Kawakami in the summit announcement. “The Ka Pewa Youth Pulse Survey creates a meaningful opportunity for students across Kauaʻi to share their ideas, concerns and aspirations in a way that will directly shape this year’s summit.”

The mayor added that when the community listens to its youth and give them a seat at the table, they build stronger communities and more responsive leadership.

“I encourage every high school student to take part in the survey and help us shape a summit that truly reflects the voices and vision of Kauaʻi’s next generation,” Kawakami said.

Ka Pewa Youth Summit convenes an estimated 200 high school students for a full day of panels, workshops and a resource fair alongside community leaders, educators and decision-makers.

The April 28 event is curated with youth leads from Kupu Kelakela Kauaʻi Internship Program and Maui Nui Hui Interns, ensuring it reflects the lived experiences and priorities of Hawaiʻi’s next generation.

Community partners, businesses and organizations are also invited to support the summit through sponsorship opportunities.

Sponsorships remain available through Kauaʻi Economic Development Board, directly supporting youth programming, meals, materials and event logistics.

Register for the 2026 Ka Pewa Youth Summit and find additional information — including an event schedule, speakers and facilitators, plus more — now online.