Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 8, Number 4, 1 April 1991 — OHA Youth Legislature gives 'opio leadership training experience [ARTICLE]

OHA Youth Legislature gives 'opio leadership training experience

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs through its Education Division will host the fourth annual youth leadership conference, 'Aha 'Opio O OHA, June 17-22, in Honolulu. Sixty Hawaiian high school juniors statewide will be selected to participate in a week of program activities. These will reflect Hawaiian concerns such as ecology, Hawaiian history, native rights and alternative lifestyles. Students will leam firsthand about the election process, organization of government, how bills are introduced and how to lobby for issues. They will have the opportunity to take leadership roles, explore traditionai Hawaiian values in the context of contemporary Hawai'i, and will be able to meet legislators and other officials involved in government. The 'Aha 'Opio (OHA's Youth Legislature) seeks to provide Hawaiian high school students with actual experience in developing leadership skills in public speaking, parliamentary procedure and group political interaction. The 'Aha 'Opio recognizes Hawaii's own cultural heritage. What makes this program especially Hawaiian is that the students will select issues of current eoneem and debate whatimpact they have on the Native Hawaiian community. Special cultural sessions will cover alternative lifestyles, Hawaiian language, ho'oponopono (conflict resolution) and Hawaiian values. Students will visit important historical sites and various state agencies. Meetings are scheduled with state legislators. Applications to participate may be obtained through junior class counselors at the high schools or by calling the OHA Education Division at 586-

3751 or 586-3777. All applications should be returned to OHA no later than Apnl 26. Selection interviews will be held in May. There will be an island-wide orientation meeting in late May for students who will participate in 'Aha 'Opio. Members of the conference planning committee are: Hinano Paleka (Kamehameha Schools), Kauila Clark (West O'ahu Employment Corporation), Walter Kahiwa, Jr. (Honaunau School), Sabra McCracken (photojournalist), Paula DeMorales and Don Romero (Waiakea High School) and Kathy Romero (Ka'u High School).