HONOLULU, HI – The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, with support from presenting sponsor Honolulu Star-Advertiser, is proud to host the second annual Hawaii State Finals of the 2025 National Civics Bee® on April 18 at Kaimuki High School’s auditorium. This statewide competition empowers middle school students to engage with civic issues in their communities. Twenty finalists selected from essay submissions, represent public schools, private schools and students from the neighbor islands. They will compete in a live quiz event, answering questions to demonstrate their understanding of civics and governance. The winner will advance to nationals in Washington, D.C. to compete for a $100,000 529 plan. 

WHEN:  Saturday, April 18, 2026 // 4-6 p.m. 

WHERE: Kaimuki High School’s auditorium (2705 Kaimuki Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816) 

COST: Free to attend, but register online at cochawaii.org/programs/education-workforce-development/national-civics-bee-hawaii/  

WHY: 

The National Civics Bee® aims to inspire young leaders by fostering a deeper understanding of civics and encouraging active participation in democracy. The event highlights the importance of civic knowledge in shaping the future of our communities and nation. 

FORMAT:  

• Round 3 will feature the top 5 finalists delivering 3-minute pitches based on their essay topics 

• Each pitch will be followed by a live Q&A session with the judges 

• State winners will receive monetary prizes: ($1,000 first; $500 second; $250 third) 
• Audience members will have the opportunity to participate in a live competition using their phones 

PARTICIPATING STUDENTS 

• Glenn T, Prince David Kawananakoa Middle School 

• Jake D, Hawaii Technology Academy – Waipahu Campus  

• Erika X, Prince David Kawananakoa Middle School  

• Jennie L, Kawananakoa Middle School 

• Agnes N, Moanalua Middle School 

• Axel B, Hawaii Technology Academy – Waipahu Campus  

• Madeleine J, Hawaii Technology Academy – Waipahu Campus  

• Josaiah P, Kawananakoa Middle School  

• Madeleine G, Sacred Hearts Academy  

• Ambellina P, Aliamanu Middle School  

• Ella K, Hawaii Technology Academy – Kauai Campus  

• Nathaniel B, Aliamanu Middle School  

• Anika S, Hawaii Technology Academy – Kauai Campus  

• Dove G, Montessori School of Maui  

• Giani K, Hawaii Technology Academy – Waipahu Campus  

• Iilenakupuaewa K, Sacred Hearts Academy  

• Hailey S, Moanalua Middle School  

• Maximus F, Aliamanu Middle School  

• Endia C, Aliamanu Middle School  

• Kelani L, Kawananakoa Middle School  

ABOUT NATIONAL CIVICS BEE® HAWAII 

Presented by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, this initiative is hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Educators are encouraged to integrate the National Civics Bee® Hawaii essay prompts and activities into their curriculum to support civic learning and community involvement.