2026 Model Youth Legislature

On April 25th, 2026, five students representing different communities across Oahu came together at the Hawai‘i State Capitol to debate and vote on legislation they developed over the last month. The topics varied from environmental to individual rights, with each student prepared to speak on behalf of their bill.

Preparation began a month earlier, with delegates attending a series of workshops designed to build the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the legislative process. This included meeting a former Governor, a member of the Attorney General’s legal team, and even being sponsored by Uniqlo to help them become true delegates.

Opening remarks were provided by Hawai‘i State House of Representatives Representative Perruso. Her remarks emphasized representing their communities, thoughtfully challenging legislation, and embracing servant leadership.

The session opened with a proposal to expand high school internship opportunities across 18 government departments. Representative Nguyen fielded challenging questions with clarity, outlining how the bill would strengthen both student pathways and existing initiatives like the Hele Imua program.

Following this, the role of chair rotated among the students, giving each the opportunity to lead proceedings and guide debate.

The second bill, presented by Representative Ng, looked to tighten restrictions on the minimum age of marriage to protect minors. This passed with a majority, despite questions around religious freedoms and the impact this might have across state lines.

The most fiercely debated bill on the regulation of firearm ranges, by Representative Lowe, saw discussion around the Second Amendment and consideration for Hawai‘i’s current gun safety. Following amendments, the bill proposed raising the minimum age for firearm range use to 25, while also expanding the types of weapons permitted in controlled settings to support proper training.

Representative Kruse introduced a proposal aimed at addressing Hawai‘i’s high shipping costs and cost-of-living challenges. The proposal faced challenges in avoiding federal jurisdiction while also presenting a clear, workable solution that legislators could support.

Finally, Representative Qian delivered a compelling speech to promote a bill that would make homeowners’ access to solar technology more affordable. With amendments helping to tackle the circumstances of low-income or high housing need, this bill, which was voted Bill of the Year, passed without opposition.  

This year’s delegates experienced firsthand the challenges and rewards of the legislative process, from developing ideas to defending them in debate. As the program continues to grow, we look forward to seeing even more young leaders step forward to shape the future of their communities.