Students line up: optimists to the left, pessimists to the right

Hawaiian Youth descend on East-West Center
Last Saturday, it was fascinating to hear 100 Hawaiian youth discuss the future—what worries them, and what gives them optimism. Turns out one subject was on both lists.

The high schoolers from 18 local public, private, and charter high schools in O‘ahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Hawai‘i Island gathered at the East-West Center for the Hawai‘i Youth Summit 2026. The day-long event featured speakers and activities designed to reinforce the value of Hawaiian culture while engaging and encouraging the state’s future leaders.

During one discussion about the future, the youth listed as their worries, including greed and government, violence, security, lack of good paying jobs, and being priced out of Hawai‘i, which has one of the highest costs of living in the nation. The young people were optimistic because of medical technology, improving educational opportunities, youth energy, and the opportunities their generation has to globally engage.

The young leaders were both encouraged and worried about Artificial Intelligence. Will it create jobs, or make them scarce? How will it impact their education? I had an interesting side discussion with several students where we discussed if AI is making them smarter, or stupider? They weren’t sure, and neither am I. I told them that we had these same discussions when the internet first burst onto the scene, and that I think the jury is still out on whether it’s a net positive or negative.

The organizers took the youngsters outside, and asked them to place themselves along a long line, one end representing optimism for the future, the other pessimism. Interestingly, the students were spread out almost evenly. (See photo, top)

Hawai‘i Youth Summit speakers included futurist Dr. Lavonne Leong, and the superintendent of the Hawai‘i Department of Education Keith Hayashi. One of the day’s highlights was a performance of traditional and contemporary Okinawan music and dance by 16 happy, energetic students from high schools throughout the Ryukyu Islands. The Hawaiian students joined their Okinawan peers in a frenetic, laughter-filled conga line. 

Young Okinawan performer

According to organizers, the post-Summit survey taken by the students showed that 80% felt that the event was "very valuable/interesting," while no one said it wasn't worth giving up their Saturday to attend. I couldn’t agree more. It was indeed a Saturday well spent.

Jefferson Fellowship
A program I coordinate for the East-West Center just launched this week. This program, the Jefferson Fellowships, will bring together regional journalists in Honolulu, Tokyo, and Seoul Oct. 25-Nov. 12, 2026 to study and report about AI. Applications will close March 10. See full details, and link to application, here: https://www.eastwestcenter.org/apply/2026-jefferson-fellowships . It's a great opportunity!