Good morning and welcome everyone.

Thank you for being here.

The City Council's honorary certificate program honors and acknowledges those individuals and groups who have made an impact in our local, national, and international communities.

Mr.

Clerk, our first recipient.

Good morning, Mr.

Chair and Council members.

Our first presentation recognizes the Eva Middle School drone team for winning the 2026 national championship at the National Skills USA Commercial Drone Competition.

This presentation is made by Councilmember Toba.

Aloha, good morning, everybody.

Today we are proud to recognize two outstanding young women from Eva Mackay Middle School.

Give them a round of applause.

All right.

Rena Rose Palakpak and Rachel Kawiho are the two 2026 national champions of national youth skills USA Commercial Drone Competition.

Representing Eva Makai Middle School, they traveled to Atlanta and competed against some of the best students in the country.

As middle school students, they took this they took on the same challenge drone missions as high school and college students.

And they came home as national champions.

Come on.

Yeah.

That is an amazing accomplishment, but this championship could not happen overnight.

It took years and hours of practice.

It took teamwork, it took focus and determination.

Reno Rose and Rachel showed us that you are never too young to take on a big challenge.

I also want to recognize the people who helped this, help make this possible.

Coach Kael Cockett founded the Eva Makai Aviation Pathways Program.

Coach, you want to raise your hands so everybody know who you are, Ago.

The program gives uh six to eight grade students hands on experience in aviation and unnamed um unmanned air car uh aircraft systems.

Students learn skills they can use in many different fields.

They learn about public safety, search and rescue, site inspections, uh, aerial photography, treaty mapping, agriculture, engineering, and other technologies.

These are real skills that can prepare students for future careers.

The leadership guidance and support of Coach Kael Cockett and uh co-coach Valerie Oka.

There she is.

I've been instrumental to the team's success.

I also want to recognize Principal Corey Barton, former principal Kim Sanders, Complex Area Superintendent John Henry Lee, and all of the industry mentors, community partners, and sponsors who support this program.

Rena Rose and Rachel, you have made your school, your families, your community, and all of Hawaii very proud.

You are showing other young people that it is possible when you work hard, believe in yourself, and have people who believe in you.

Congratulations on this incredible achievement.

Mr.

Clerk, our next recipient.

Our next presentation recognizes Aloha Tree Alliance for its outstanding commitment to preserving Hawaii's native ecosystems and inspiring environmental stewardship.

This presentation is made by yourself, Council Chair Waters.

Thank you.

The Honelus City Council is pleased to recognize the Aloha Tree Alliance and extends its sincere appreciation for the alliance's commitment to preserving Hawaii's native forests, restoring watersheds, advancing climate resilience, and inspiring environmental stewardship for future generations.

Joining us in the council chamber this morning is executive director Chris Chang and nursery manager Olivia Tao.

Since its founding in 2020, the Aloha Tree Alliance has empowered communities to become active caretakers for Hawaii's unique ecosystems through the restoration of the native plants and trees, community partnerships, and environmental education.

Under Chris's leadership, the Aloha Tree Alliance has expanded to impact by broadening community partnerships and growing public engagement, as well as launching innovative restorative initiatives to connect people of all ages to our Aina.

Among its many accomplishments, the Alliance launched the Kulio O Ridge Trail Restoration Project through the Kaulu Nani Urban and Community Forest Grant Program, mobilizing hundreds of dedicated volunteers to increase and restore Hawaii's forests and watersheds.

The Aloha Tree Alliance also created new opportunities for Hawaii's youth through its K through 12 education program and the Aina Allies Internship Program.

These programs continue to teach students the importance of Malamaing Aina while deepening their understanding of restoration, reforestation, and native plant species, demonstrating the organization's commitment to develop the next generation of conservationists.

Last year marked a significant year for the Aloha Tree Alliance as it celebrated the planting of more than 7,500 native trees, along with opening of the organization's native Hawaiian plant nursery, which has allowed them to cultivate the native plants used in its restoration efforts.

I had a chance to participate in the blessing last December, and it was fantastic.

Most recently, through its partnership with the grassroots nonprofit Malama Mao Mai Hui and the DPR's Adopt the Park program, the Aloha Tree Alliance plans to beautify Maumai Nature Park in Kamuki and enhance the park's natural environment and long-term sustainability.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that on behalf of the people of the city and county of Honolulu, the Homeless City Council hereby honors and recognizes the Aloha Tree Alliance for its outstanding leadership, tireless service, and steadfast commitment to preserving Hawaii's forests and watersheds, cultivating environmental stewardship, and building a more resilient and sustainable future for our islands.

We extend our deepest gratitude for its partnership and look forward to continuing our shared efforts to preserve Hawaii's natural heritage for generations to come.

Mahalo, you guys.

Thank you.

Mr.

Clerk, our next recipient.

Our next presentation recognizes the Pookelo Fellows Summer 2026 cohort for their outstanding service, dedication, and commitment to public service.

This presentation is made by yourself, Council Chair Waters, and Council Members Cordero, Dos Santos Tam, Kia Aina, Nishimoto, and Wire.