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

Making Kaua'i Self-Sustaining in Food

Making Kaua'i Self-Sustaining in Food

Kahealani Numazawa-PacanasMar Heinrich Ruiz Can Kaua’i be food self-sustaining? This question has recently become popular in the public arena, and as residents of the island, we fully support it.

Crucial Conversations to Build A Prosperous Economy

Crucial Conversations to Build A Prosperous Economy

Struggle to survive in the beautiful paradise you grew up in, or move away for more affordable housing and a better paying job? Which would you choose? Many local people actively weigh these exact tradeoffs of living in Hawaii, and many choose to do what they think best for themselves and their fami.

Revive Hawaii: Shop small, shop local

Revive Hawaii: Shop small, shop local

With the loss of tourism, new COVID-19 restrictions, and an overall drop in the economy, small businesses are struggling to stay afloat. By July of 2020, nearly 900 small businesses had closed, either temporarily or permanently.

Con: Not Legally or Even Intuitively an Infringement of Free Speech

Con: Not Legally or Even Intuitively an Infringement of Free Speech

The conversation about the power of big technology companies, or “Big Tech,” is a long and important one, but there is a simple answer to whether Big Techs’ recent actions against Donald Trump are an infringement on free speech. No, they are not. Not legally, or even intuitively.

Pro: Freedom For All

Pro: Freedom For All

As private entities, “big tech” companies such as Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Twitter have every right to exercise their discretion in banning whomever they please. The right to refuse service is, in itself, a First Amendment right.

Free Speech: Two College Students Weigh in on The First Amendment

Free Speech: Two College Students Weigh in on The First Amendment

CON: NOT LEGALLY OR EVEN INTUITIVELY AN INFRINGEMENT OF FREE SPEECHThe conversation about the power of big technology companies, or “Big Tech,” is a long and important one, but there is a simple answer to whether Big Techs’ recent actions against Donald Trump are an infringement on free speech.

Do Local Youth Have a Place in Hawai'i's Future?

Do Local Youth Have a Place in Hawai'i's Future?

The pandemic has further emphasized what many Hawaiʻi residents already know: living here is unsustainable.

Biden: A Vote for Biden is a Vote for the Democracy

Biden: A Vote for Biden is a Vote for the Democracy

It may seem like a battle between two evils, but the verdict is clear: Joe Biden needs to win this election. Under the demanding circumstances of this year, it is crucial to elect an executive that is, at the minimum, capable of making decisions in the interest of the majority. A vote for Mr.

Trump: Are You Better Off Today Than You Were Four Years Ago?

Trump: Are You Better Off Today Than You Were Four Years Ago?

In the 1980 presidential election, Ronald Reagan campaigned on the question, “Are you better off today than you were four years ago?” According to a recent Gallup poll, 56% of Americans in 2020 would affirmatively answer that they are better off after four years of Trump’s presidency.

COVID-19 Effect on Teens: Increase in Depression Rates

COVID-19 Effect on Teens: Increase in Depression Rates

Prior to the pandemic, the nation was already experiencing a youth mental health crisis. According to a nationwide study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the number of major depressive episodes increased from 12.8% to 15.

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