Hawaiʻi State Sen. Brenton Awa, the Senate minority leader and Republican candidate for Hawaiʻi’s 2nd Congressional District, joined Academy students for a Lunch and Talk Story on Sept. 22, coordinated by Punahou’s Davis Democracy Initiative. He came at the invitation of the Kids Voting Hawaiʻi Student Leadership Committee, who are asking candidates questions to be shared with students statewide as part of a mock ballot to encourage youth civic participation.
During the conversation, Awa discussed his path into public service and fielded questions from students on issues ranging from housing and education to immigration, foreign policy and Hawaiʻi’s relationship with the federal government.
Awa also spoke about the importance of civic participation, encouraging students to vote when they become eligible and to develop a strong foundation for making their own decisions. He shared examples of community projects involving young people, including planting ʻulu and mountain apple trees that can provide food for the community, as well as environmental stewardship efforts.
Students also asked Awa about political polarization, his approach to working as a member of the Senate minority and how his views sometimes differ from those traditionally associated with the Republican Party. Awa emphasized dialogue and working with people across differing perspectives to address issues affecting Hawaiʻi communities.
The Lunch and Talk Story series gives students opportunities to engage directly with civic leaders, ask questions and hear a range of perspectives on government, public service and issues affecting Hawaiʻi.
