Raise Your Hand

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“Raise Your Hand” is a monthly editorial column written by high school students and their peers in collaboration with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Its purpose is to provide a platform for youth voice, particularly DOE students. Since its start in March 2016, over 50 articles have been published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

We fervently believe that when youth are allowed to voice their opinions, amazing feats are accomplished. A young adult’s concerns are not only about school lunches, bullies, or the dress code. The younger generation is just as passionate and invested as their adult counterparts in issues facing our world. After all, they are our future leaders.

Blog Posts

Two students weigh in on Hawaii's Governor Race

Two students weigh in on Hawaii's Governor Race

"Leaders of our state who have made these empty promises have left us hopeless, especially the younger generations. As time has passed, many of us have progressively lost hope in being able to comfortably and safely live here in Hawaii."

A Good Career in Tech Can Happen Here

A Good Career in Tech Can Happen Here

"While the obstacles abound, dispelling the idea that our beautiful islands cannot support our technology professionals, and better advertising the available local pathways are steps in the right direction."

Losing Touch with Basic Social Etiquette

Losing Touch with Basic Social Etiquette

"When a pandemic happens, it takes a lot of effort to actually “get back to normal.” In addition to restoring the political and economic systems, it is essential to highlight the ripple effects of our decaying social skills as well."

Money isn't magic: Supporting Hawaii's teachers beyond pay

Money isn't magic: Supporting Hawaii's teachers beyond pay

"While money is a leading issue behind the teacher shortage, rallying support for our teachers in our schools and communities is a simple first step. So that if teaching is their dream, reality does not disappoint."

Teens' Take on Abortion

Teens' Take on Abortion

Without the strength of my mother’s “Yes,” I would never be where I am today. It’s a strength that requires vulnerability, both hers and mine, to live life against the dominant narrative that says that both our choices were the “wrong” one.

HPD Should Welcome Community Input

HPD Should Welcome Community Input


It is no secret that the Honolulu Police Department has seen its share of difficulties of corruption and rising anti- police sentiment nationwide. Here's what we can do to change that.

Help Defend Democracy in Ukraine

Help Defend Democracy in Ukraine

Many Americans may think the war in Ukraine does not involve them. However, this way of thinking is very flawed. Although the conflict may seem far away, it's still directly and personally affecting Americans – one of them being my dad.

Facing Food Insecurity Among Keiki

Facing Food Insecurity Among Keiki

Food insecurity isn't a thing of the past or an issue localized in developing nations; it's a rampant problem in the United States currently plaguing millions of children like Chloe.

Military Must Remediate or Relocate

Military Must Remediate or Relocate

As I rang up the next customer at Bath and Body Works, I asked how her day was going. She replied, “Hard and exhausting.” Concerned, I discovered her family, like so many others, was forced to temporarily relocate due to the Red Hill disaster.

Tell a Local Lawmaker

Tell a Local Lawmaker

It’s safe to say that many in Hawai’i are concerned about the future of our islands. Over 350 CTL high school students from across the state wrote a response to the prompt, “Tell a local lawmaker: What is the one thing that must change in order for you to picture yourself having a good future in Hawai’i?”Here’s some excerpts of what the next generation wants legislators to take action on now.

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