This year, HCAN will present five awards, reflecting our vision of Hawaiʻi where all children are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. There is no cost to submit a nomination, and a nominee can be submitted for multiple categories. Self-nominations are also welcome. HCAN staff, board members, and programs are not eligible. Deadline to submit nominations is May 16, 2026.

The 2026 award categories are:

• Youth Advocate of the Year: A keiki or teen (under 18) who is leading by action and advocating for their peers and youth in Hawaiʻi.
• Innovator: An individual, group, or organization that thought outside the box to try something new and implemented a creative solution to support Hawaiʻi’s children.
  
• Unsung Hero: An individual who made a profound difference for kids in their community, but who often isn’t in the spotlight or isn’t recognized for their role.
  
• Family-Friendly Employer: A company whose HR policies and practices go above and beyond to support its employees with children. This could include paid family and medical leave policies, parental leave, etc.
• HCAN Speaks! Advocate of the Year: an individual whose outspoken voice pushed forward a solution to a challenge facing children in their community?

Submit your nomination here:

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