HI HR261

Recognizes and congratulates Youth Speaks Hawaii for winning the Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Spoken Word Competitions in 2008 and 2009.

Acknowledges Youth Speaks Hawaii as the leading presenter of spoken word performance, education, and youth poetry in Hawaii since its founding in 2005.

Notes the organization's work providing literary arts education programs in schools and communities, including a free weekly poetry workshop in Honolulu's Chinatown Arts District.

Recognizes student poets who performed at major venues including the Kennedy Center and performed for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Commends Youth Speaks Hawaii for combating illiteracy and alienation among youth participants and bringing young voices to the forefront of Hawaiian culture.