HHA & MHYC EMPOWERED by SCHHA 2025 Conference

Twelve members of the Molokai Homestead Youth Council (MHYC, formerly Ho'olehua Agricultural Youth Council) attended the 38th Annual SCHHA Hawaiian Home Lands Sovereignty Conference along with delegates from Ho'olehua Homesteaders Association and Kalama'ula Mauka Association. Founded in 1987, SCHAA stands for Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, and is a statewide homestead beneficiary association and national coalition dedicated to the fulfillment of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.

The Molokai delegation, best known for its 'Opala Station at community events, helped open the 2-1/2 day conference with an 'oli and makana. A few youth entrepreneurs sold Molokai-made products in the resource room to help raise funds for their summer activities with a portion of proceeds going to MHYC. They met with students from Hanai Kaiaulu and learned about their sustainable projects. Keynote speakers were DHHL Director Kali Watson on day one and Governor Josh Green on day two (photo below - he and First Lady took a photo with all youth attending). Youth along with the adults attended breakout sessions on the Hawaiian Homestead Act 302/Act 80 of 2017, Neighborhood Security Watch Programs, Lease Transfers & Successorship, OHA Resources, Advocacy Training on NAHASDA, Department of Interior Office of Native Hawaiian Relations Programs, Grant Writing, Accessing Capital for Home Mortgages, Hawaii Wildfire Management, Agricultural Resources (Feed the Hunger & GoFarm), Tribal & Rural Resources for Water, and more. Youth were able to listen to Alaska Native and Indigenous American lawyers and professionals who shared their native histories and stories of fighting for self determination. It was an empowering event which has helped fuel conversations across the pae 'aina.

The MHYC has re-organized to welcome youth from across Molokai with a focus on not just agriculture, but a lifestyle of self-sufficiency. MHYC is "a group for youth on our island that learn about leadership, agriculture, sustainability, food security, advocate for policy." It is led by the youth themselves with a focus on collaboration and giving back to the community through their own actions. Any interested youth age 12-17 may contact Kilia Purdy-Avelino or visit the 'opala stations being manned by MHYC.