MAYOR MUFI HANNEMANN AND YOUTH LEADERS INVITE STUDENTS TO ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMIT AT MISSION MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM THIS SATURDAY

Mayor Mufi Hannemann and the City’s 21^st Century Ahupua’a Youth Ambassadors are inviting Oahu’s high school and middle school students to attend an exciting event to raise awareness about environmental protection.

The Youth Environmental Summit will be held this Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Mission Memorial Auditorium, beside Honolulu Hale. The event is free and open to the public.

“I want to help our youth realize that they can make a difference in their future by taking action today,” Mayor Hannemann said. “They are the beneficiaries of all the administration’s efforts to make our island a better place to live, attend school, and eventually work and raise a family. By hearing first hand about what the City is doing and what they can do, we can all work together toward a better future for our island.”

Guests will learn about new environmental initiatives and recycling, urban forestry, watershed protection, and the proposed Makiki Sustainability Center, as well as opportunities for teens to volunteer for community service to protect the environment. The summit will also include a fun and exciting performance by the Farrington High School T-Shirt Theatre of selections from the group’s recent play, “Tree-d.” The performance will focus on choices individuals make to protect the environment and preserve our island’s resources.

Also, the 21^st Century Ahupua’a Youth Ambassadors will provide environmentally conscious gifts and prizes to the youth in attendance. Their goal is to not only educate their peers, but to also provide tools to make some environment-friendly changes in their behavior. The City’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will announce a new essay contest in conjunction with the City’s new Urban Reforestation Master Plan. The winner will have a tree planted in their neighborhood. 

The 21^st Century Ahupua’a Youth Ambassadors will also lead a discussion of how we can save our environment. They will share their thoughts about their experience, provide tips on protecting the environment while saving money, and will announce the selection process for the next class of Ambassadors.The audience will be able to ask questions and have a dialogue with the Mayor, the presenters, and the current group of Ambassadors.

More information on the City’s 21^st Century Ahupua’a program is available at http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/mayor/ahupuaa/index.htm.  The community tree contest rules and the application to become a 21^st Century Ahupua’a Youth Ambassador will be available at www.sustainhonolulu.com Saturday afternoon.

Contact: Bill Brennan, 527-6928