FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   February 12, 2010

            HUNDREDS ATTEND MAYOR’S “SMART” YOUTH SUMMIT 2010

Rail transit and improving Oahu was the topic of the day at the Leeward Community College auditorium. Nearly 300 people from 30 high schools and colleges gathered to learn about the Honolulu Rail Transit Project at the Mayor’s SMART Youth Summit. SMART stands for “Save Money And Ride Transit.” 

            The free summit brought together high school and college age youths on a Furlough Friday. The day’s educational activities featured speakers on environment and energy, the Honowai Elementary robotics team, displays from the rail youth poster contest, a “Transit 101” video and a video produced by the Waianae Seariders student video team, a virtual train ride, breakout groups and moderated discussions.

Local entertainer Augie T emceed the event and Mayor Mufi Hannemann delivered the keynote address.

            “I heard loud and clear that young people are fired up about rail and want it to happen,” said Hannemann. “They are as tired of traffic congestion as adults are and they recognize rail will help ease rush hour traffic in the future. I also saw a strong sense of ownership about rail and creating a more sustainable Oahu. Young people want green, energy-efficient transportation options like rail for their future.”

            Hannemann remarked he is committed to creating a new curriculum with the UH Community Colleges to train local residents for jobs operating and maintaining the elevated rail line and train fleet.

The summit also included many of the City’s social media outreach tools for youth, including the website www.movingusforward.net, the Honolulu Rail Transit Project’s Facebook page, Twitter (www.twitter.com/HNL_RTD) and additional online resources.

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