Empowering the Next Generation of Voters: Punahou Students Lead the Charge for Kids Voting Hawaii

In a remarkable display of civic engagement, three Punahou Academy students, Sophia Howell '26, Lulu Cole '27, and Kahn Ho '25, have taken the lead in steering the Kids Voting Hawaii (KVH) initiative, a statewide, nonpartisan voter education program that aims to inspire lifelong voting habits in children and increase adult voter turnout.

Igniting a Passion for Democracy in Hawaii's Youth

Fostering Civic Participation Through Mock Elections

Established in 1996, the Kids Voting Hawaii program provides K-12 students with the opportunity to participate in a mock election, allowing them to engage with the democratic process before they are eligible to vote. As heads of the KVH Student Leadership Committee, Howell, Cole, and Ho are working closely with Representative Amy Perruso's office to ensure the smooth running of the 2024 KVH student election. By bringing the initiative to both public and private schools across the state, these young leaders are paving the way for a new generation of informed and engaged citizens.

Inspiring Lifelong Civic Engagement

The students' involvement with KVH is driven by a deep-rooted belief in the power of civic participation. "We're helping increase civic engagement by preparing students for a lifetime of voting and civic participation, encouraging exploration of candidates and current issues, and sparking dialogue between peers, educators and parents," the students shared. Their work with KVH is further bolstered by their involvement in Punahou's Davis Democracy Initiative, which has inspired them to promote equity, justice, and civil discourse.

Addressing Hawaii's Voter Turnout Challenge

While the KVH election is targeted at those under 18, the students recognize its potential to have a wider impact. Research has shown that youth participation in democratic processes can lead to higher adult voter turnout, a crucial factor for Hawaii, which often ranks among the lowest in the nation for voter participation. "This is especially important for our state, which often ranks 49th or 50th in voter turnout," the group said. "We hope the experience students get from this KVH election will inspire adults in their communities to become more involved."

Empowering Students Through Statewide Initiatives

In recognition of their efforts, Howell, Cole, and Ho were recently awarded the Hawai'i Student Social Justice Education Award, a grant they plan to put towards the youth election. Their goal is to fund a statewide "I Voted" sticker competition, where every student who participates in the KVH election will receive a sticker designed by a local student. This initiative not only celebrates the students' civic engagement but also fosters a sense of community and pride in their democratic participation.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Voters

As the 2024 KVH election approaches, Howell, Cole, and Ho are driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to inspire the next generation of voters. "We know that increasing civic engagement now will have a lasting impact on the future of our local communities," the students shared. "While this endeavor does require a lot of hard work, we have been motivated by the positive response of schools and students."