2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour

Each year, KIUC selects four Kaua‘i juniors to attend the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., in June. This year, Cambell Donahoe, from Hawai‘i Technology Academy, Olivia Ogihara, from Kapa‘a High, Daniel Louis Satumba, from Waimea High, and Kahi Sugahara, from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, traveled with the Hawai‘i Kansas Maine delegation to D.C.

A Week I’ll Never Forget — By Cambell Donahoe 

Going into Youth Tour, I felt both excited and honored to have the opportunity to participate. After hearing about the memorable experiences of past alumni, I hoped to create similar memories of my own. Despite my excitement, there was one feeling lingering in the background: the nervousness of meeting people from another state I had never met before and spending an entire week with them. 

As we went through tours, bus rides and various activities together, those worries quickly began to fade. I realized how welcoming everyone was and how comfortable I felt simply being myself. The connections and memories I made throughout Youth Tour will stick with me forever. The people truly made everything we did memorable, whether it was singing songs together during bus rides or exploring museums and historical sites as a group. 

History is something I have loved over the years, and being able to experience it in such historic and meaningful places was incredible. I learned by seeing and experiencing these places firsthand rather than only through textbooks, and I will cherish that opportunity forever. Some of the most impactful moments of Youth Tour came during our time with our tour guide, Amy Gold. It was inspiring to see how much knowledge and compassion she had for every memorial she guided us through. 

One moment that especially stood out to me was learning about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It was powerful to hear that names are still being added to the memorial due to the lasting effects of the war. Amy showed us how to find the names that were added, which made me reflect on all the lives affected and lost because of the war. Her compassion for those remembered at every memorial made me appreciate the sacrifices of those who served our country even more. 

I am truly grateful to have been given the opportunity of a lifetime through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative. I am also honored to have been selected to represent Hawai‘i on this year’s Youth Leadership Council. The memories, friendships and lessons I gained from this experience are ones I will carry with me forever.

Olivia, Cambell and other delegates listen as tour guide Amy Gold teaches delegates how to find names of missing soldiers on the Vietnam Wall. 

More in Common Than I Expected — By Olivia Ogihara

At first, I was shocked to hear that we would be traveling with delegates from Kansas and Maine. I assumed that the differences between our backgrounds and cultures would make connection challenging. Instead, we quickly discovered we had much more in common than I had anticipated. Traveling together as companions made the experience even more delightful as we shared so many unforgettable memories I will cherish for a lifetime. 

Although I had learned a bit about U.S. history in school, physically seeing the historic buildings and landmarks had a much greater impact as they lay right in front of my eyes. Standing in places I’ve only ever read about gave me a deeper appreciation for the people and events that shaped our nation. 

My favorite place we visited was the Hart Office Building, where we learned more about our nation's Capitol. Its beauty was breathtaking: a towering place filled with granite and marble structures, and murals chock-full of the rich history they represent. Even more astonishing, however, was the inspiring hustle and bustle of the lively people working there. 

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity broadened my horizons and opened my eyes to so many new possibilities. I'm so incredibly grateful for the chance to represent Hawai‘i as one of KIUC’s delegates. This is an experience I will always remember.

Kahi, Cambell, Olivia and Daniel meet with Sen. Brian Schatz in his office at the Hart Office Building. 

Stepping Off the Island and Into History — By Daniel Louis Satumba

When I first heard about Youth Tour, I thought it was way too good to be true. How could electric cooperatives send delegates on an all-expenses-paid trip to tour our nation’s capital every year? 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. It was engaging, eye-opening and truly a life-changing experience. 

Throughout the week, we visited many of Washington, D.C.’s, most historical sites. At Mount Vernon, we walked through the home of George Washington, one of our nation's primary Founding Fathers. Standing where he once stood was incredible, but as a kid from Hawai‘i, it also served as a reminder that everything starts somewhere, and that we must always remember and honor our roots. 

We also encountered deeply moving moments that brought history to life. At Arlington National Cemetery, we visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Seeing it firsthand was a solemn reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and remain unidentified, offering a place of memory and closure for their families. 

The lessons I learned and the memories I made on Youth Tour are ones I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Delegates watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

A Journey That Changed My Perspective — By Kahi Sugahara

My participation in Youth Tour was an unforgettable experience that gave me a greater appreciation for our nation’s history. As Kaua‘i residents isolated on an island away from others, we enjoyed learning ways of the government and the people who serve it. The coolest part of the trip was visiting the U.S. Capitol and walking through the underground tunnels connecting the Capitol buildings. Seeing a whole community of leaders made everything I had learned in school feel more meaningful. 

One of the best parts of the Youth Tour was the friendships I made. Meeting students from different states meant a lot to me, and sharing this experience with them created memories that I will always cherish. 

Another important moment was visiting Arlington National Cemetery. Seeing the rows of headstones was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served our country. I am incredibly grateful to all the soldiers and their families for their service and dedication. Imua! 

Youth Tour is an experience I will always remember, and I am thankful for everything I learned and everyone I met along the way. This is an experience every high schooler should try out.

Delegates board the tram to tour Arlington National Cemetary.