Source: The article “2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour,” was originally published by Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) on October 19, 2026.
KAUAʻI — Four Kauaʻi high school students were selected by Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) to represent the island during the 2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., this past June.
The annual, all-expenses-paid program gives selected high school juniors an opportunity to explore the nation’s capital, learn about American history and government, and connect with students from across the country.
This year’s Kauaʻi delegates included Cambell Donahoe of Hawaiʻi Technology Academy, Olivia Ogihara of Kapaʻa High School, Daniel Louis Satumba of Waimea High School, and Kahi Sugahara of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama.
The four traveled alongside students from Kansas and Maine, visiting historic landmarks including the U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The students also met with U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz at his office in the Hart Senate Office Building.
For Satumba, a Waimea High School student, the experience offered a new perspective on life beyond Kauaʻi.
“Yet, I was given the honor of representing Hawai‘i at the 2026 Youth Tour, where I met people from all over and experienced the world beyond our island home,” Satumba reflected in a testimonial published by KIUC on Oct. 19.
Donahoe, who was also selected to represent Hawaiʻi on the Youth Leadership Council, described the friendships and historical experiences as memories she would carry for a lifetime.
Each year, KIUC selects four Kauaʻi juniors to participate in the national program, offering young island residents an opportunity to develop leadership skills, broaden their perspectives and experience American history firsthand.
For this year’s delegates, the journey was about more than sightseeing — it was an opportunity to build friendships, discover new possibilities and proudly represent Kauaʻi on a national stage.