First student representative sworn on County of Kaua‘i Commission

Published on August 28, 2025

LĪHU‘E – Waimea High School senior Swede Sandblom was sworn in on Monday, August 25, as the first student representative to serve on a County of Kaua‘i board or commission.

Sandblom will serve on the Charter Review Commission, following his nomination by the Mayor and unanimous confirmation by the Kaua‘i County Council on August 13. He completed his orientation training with Ellen Ching, Administrator of the Office of Boards and Commissions, and participated in his first meeting this week, where Mayor Kawakami and Managing Director Reiko Matsuyama were there to congratulate him and the new commission members.

“Engaging young people in public service is vital to ensuring that a diverse range of voices shapes Kaua‘i’s future,” said Mayor Kawakami. “We are proud to welcome Swede to the Charter Review Commission and encourage more of our students to step forward and contribute to their county government.”

The County invites interested students to apply to become a student representative on a board or commission. Volunteer opportunities are also available for community members who wish to serve as full voting Commissioners.

Link to apply: https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Boards-and-Commissions/Application-for-Board-or-Commission.

By volunteering, students gain firsthand experience in civic engagement, learn how policy decisions are made, and contribute a youth voice to important community discussions.

In 2024, Kaua‘i voters approved a Charter amendment allowing high school juniors and seniors to actively serve and provide a youth perspective on County boards and commissions. Of the County’s 17 boards and commissions, most are eligible to include a youth ex officio seat.

Sandblom volunteered for the Charter Review Commission, which meets on the fourth Monday of each month to review and recommend updates to the County Charter.

If you require an auxiliary aid or service, an interpreter for non-English speakers, or another accommodation due to a disability, please contact Anelalani Davis at 808-241-4917 or email adavis@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Early requests are encouraged to ensure adequate time to meet your needs. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats, including large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

Swede Sandblom (left), a senior at Waimea High School,being sworn in by Eddie Topenio, AdministrativeAssistant to the Office of the County Clerkat Monday's Charter Review Commission Meeting.

Waimea High School senior Swede Sandblom was sworn in on Monday, August 25, as the first student representative to serve on a County of Kaua‘i board or commission.

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