Hawaii is, by definition, an insular place. As island communities, they oscillate from being extremely well connected (in that ‘small town’ way where everyone knows each other and wears multiple work and community “hats”), to isolated and disconnected from both each other and the continental world (in that they are separated by ocean, geographic identity, demographics, education level, and much more).   Elizabeth works for two organizations that allow her to connect people to each other and to places in new ways. She works on wildfire and coastal issues that are caused by a changing world (climate change, drought, invasive species, development, social inequities). She works with people of all ages, demographics, and sectors.  And this all means that she works a lot (two full time jobs)! Yet the more she works, the more she feels like there are some pieces missing.  As Elizabeth sees it, what is needed are some fun, supportive, non-threatening, inclusive, and interesting new ways to connect lives and roles within communities to people, to people’s work and passions, and to address the climate change impacts increasingly faced in Hawaii and the Pacific.The overarching theme of Ocean Warriors— the youth program that Elizabeth created and co-coordinates— is “It’s All Connected.” So in designing her project, she thought to herself… what and who haven’t we connected yet? Whose voices are missing? What experience could be created that would support the many people and entities working on seemingly disparate issues like natural resource protection, substance abuse prevention, job opportunities, Hawaiian language and culture, education, and the whole variety of things people care about in Hawaii? What kind of experience could bring together diverse people and disciplines to celebrate place— their place, this place, Hawaii— and share new conversations in new ways, especially as we begin to face the impacts of a changing climate? And how can we make it fun, supportive, non-threatening, inclusive, interesting, and awesome?Thanks to the innovative, enthusiastic, and thoughtful participants in the EECapacity fellowship, Elizabeth is now in the midst of designing an experience that will aim to bring the people of Hawaii together in new ways, to discuss climate change and Hawaiians' connections to each other and to the lands and waters of Hawaii through art, story, and music. She is currently in conversations with local artists, poets, dancers, musicians, teachers, land managers, scientists, people of faith, and more about what this concept might become in real life. It is continually taking shape as more and more people offer their ideas and willingness to participate. Right now it is looking to be an event that will host art, music, dance, video, and theater exhibitions around the theme of climate change and the people and places of Hawaii. Local conservation and other community efforts will be invited to get involved and share more about their work and opportunities for community members to get involved.