Fourth graders recently embarked on an exciting educational trip to Hawai‘i’s State Capitol, where the entire grade had the chance to engage with local leaders, history and art. Coordinated through Punahou’s Davis Democracy Initiative (DDI), the visit included hands-on activities and conversations designed to bring state government and civic engagement to life.
The students met with Rep. Jackson Sayama ’15, who represents District 21 and is one of Hawai‘i’s youngest elected officials. The Punahou graduate answered questions about working within the House of Representatives and shared his journey from participating in Punahou’s Damon Speech as a student to proposing legislation in the State House in less than 10 years of graduating.
At the Queen Lili‘uokalani Memorial, students participated in an augmented reality experience created by the Honolulu Theatre for Youth (HYT), which showcased multiple perspectives on Hawaiian history – a Native Hawaiian practitioner, a tourist, a local youth and a historical figure from the 1890s speaking to the Queen. HTY cast members Moses Goods and Loko Lipscomb also spent time engaging with students about the complex histories held within the memorial.
Another highlight of the day was meeting artist Solomon Enos, who invited the students to contribute to a community art piece he is designing for the Capitol. Students were excited to be a part of the project and inspired by Enos’ enthusiasm and creativity. Each student’s contribution to the collective mural will become a permanent glass installation at the Capitol pools.
Additionally, students met with representatives of the Public Access Room and completed a scavenger hunt while engaging with their surroundings throughout the visit.
“The visit began as a collaboration with the fourth grade teachers, and we’re excited that it will become an annual trip for fourth graders,” said David Ball, coordinator of DDI together with Pamela Sakamoto.
The trip left students with a deeper awareness of the processes and stories shaping Hawai‘i’s government, blending learning with creativity and hands-on exploration. Faculty were eager to build on this field trip with continued lessons in the classroom. Shelley Yoshikawa planned to connect it with the students’ lessons on water rights.