Gapero appointed to serve as a Hawaiʻi Island Youth Commissioner

Mahalo to the Mayor's office for providing these photos and the update.

Feb. 7, 2025

Kamehameha Hawaiʻi sophomore Wehiwaalani Gapero has been appointed by Hawaiʻi Island Mayor Dr. Kimo Alameda to the Hawaiʻi Island Youth Commission. She was sworn in yesterday afternoon by Executive Assistant Micah Alameda.

As a Youth Commissioner, she has an opportunity to represent the voices of young people, work on meaningful projects, and provide valuable input on policies and initiatives that affect youth in our county. This role involves collaborating with other commissioners, community members, and local government leaders to address important issues and help shape the future of our community.

In her application, Gapero shares, “As a Native Hawaiian, I believe that addressing the issues facing our people is key to guiding our lāhui toward a thriving future and building a stronger, more unified community. This has fueled my participation as an elected alakaʻi for my class and kula since coming to Kamehameha in the sixth grade.

Our communities face unique challenges, and I am committed to raising awareness and taking action to address these issues.”

Gapero has been an active and involved student leader throughout her time at Kamehameha Hawaiʻi, serving as a class officer, student-athlete, and even working as a student aide in our high school media department and as a kindergarten summer transition specialist. She has represented Kamehameha at the Council of Native Hawaiian Advancement convention’s ʻAha ʻŌpio, hosted a Spotlight Now episode on Hawaii News Now interviewing Representative Kirstin Kahaloa and Dr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer in a discussion on out-migration, as well as a special segment on the power of loko i’a to build community. She recently attended the opening of the state legislature this year, and had an opportunity to engage with lawmakers bout efforts to solve issues impacting our state.

In this appointment, Wehiwa fills a vacant seat and will serve a term to expire in December 2027. She stated that her goal is to collaborate with others to create tangible solutions that not only address immediate concerns but also serve as a model to inspire and empower future kānaka ʻōiwi to serve as leaders who drive positive change within our communities.

“By joining this Youth Commission Council, I hope to amplify the voices of Native Hawaiian youth through advocacy for policies and initiatives that promote aloha ʻāina, educational equity and access, and public health,” says Gapero.

“As a youth, I'm able to connect with my peers and understand the issues they face in our communities, which coupled with my leadership experience in student government for the past five years, position me to effectively advocate on their behalf.”

Hoʻomaikaʻi e Wehiwaalani! I Mua!

Wehiwa had her ʻohana present for this special moment, including mom Jan Gapero, dad Dr. Kaʻulu Gapero, and brother KSH junior Halaʻi Gapero.