Mayor Alameda Declares Engineers Week 2026; Schools Outreach and Golf Outing Planned

Mayor Kimo Alameda has issued a proclamation declaring Feb. 22-28 as Engineers Week in Hawaii County, the county announcement published Feb. 19 in West Hawaiʻi Today states, recognizing the work of “engineers and design professionals” and their effects on local infr. The community notice lists two locally focused events: engineers visiting schools to speak with students and a local Engineers Week Golf Outing bringing “together professionals, partners and supporters.”

The national theme for Engineers Week 2026 is “Transform Your Future,” a phrase carried by DiscoverE, Kleinfelder and industry organizations this year. DiscoverE frames the theme this way: “This year’s theme, Transform Your Future, is a powerful reminder that engineering doesn’t just shape our world, it shapes our opportunities, our communities, and the futures we can imagine for ourselves and our children.” National groups such as the American Council of Engineering Companies are urging firms to spotlight projects, share photos and videos, and push outreach through social channels and ACEC outlets including the Last Word blog and the Engineering Influence podcast.

West Hawaiʻi Today’s community piece emphasizes education outreach. “Engineers Week also highlights the importance of inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers. As part of this year’s celebration, local engineers will be visiting schools to speak with students about careers in engineering, share real-world examples of problem-solving, and encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). These outreach efforts are vital to developing a strong local workforce that can meet Hawaii’s evolving needs,” the notice says.

The county context for that outreach is starkly local. “In Hawaii, engineering takes on particular significance. The island environment, limited natural resources and exposure to natural hazards require resilient, thoughtful and forward-looking solutions. From water systems and transportation networks to renewable energy, housing and coastal protection, engineers work daily to ensure that our built environment is safe, reliable and sustainable,” Westhawaiitoday wrote in its summary of the proclamation and county needs.

West Hawaiʻi Today published a photo with the community notice. Pictured from left to right are: Kealaanuhea Soriano, Saydielyn Simao-Arakaki, Michael Dodge II, Bruce Meyers, Mayor Kimo Alameda, Nimr Tamimi, Joel Nakamoto, Chloe Frizelle, and Janelle Rodriguez. The notice describes the Golf Outing as an Engineers Week activity that brings local professionals, partners and supporters together, though the community item does not list tee times or host organizations.

National trade and media outlets offer a menu of ready-made activities local firms can use during the week. ACEC encourages open houses, employee spotlights and project tours and lists hashtags to coordinate visibility: #ACECEWeek2026, #EWeek2026, #ACEC. DiscoverE’s resources advise organizers to “Post photos of your team, engineering projects, and even selfies!” and to “Host an event. It can be as simple as coffee or lunch with a few colleagues to hosting an organization wide celebration. Recognize individuals to honor their achievements - in person, online, or by nominating them for an award. Invite an inspiring speaker to deliver a virtual or live talk. Post pictures #Eweek2026.”

Industry coverage highlights the week’s education and inclusion goals. DesignNews notes typical EWeek activities include “school visits, hands-on activities, career fairs, and engineering competitions,” and that “Over seven decades, National Engineers Week has evolved to address contemporary challenges, including diversity and inclusion in engineering fields. The week now actively promotes engineering careers among women, minorities, and other underrepresented populations, recognizing that diverse perspectives drive innovation.”

Corporate posts and volunteer examples underline the outreach model local groups are emulating. Kleinfelder’s Engineers Week messaging says, “Across the company, our staff participate in community events, classroom visits, mentorship programs, and hands-on learning activities that help students see STEM careers up close,” and cites “Maia Lipschutz – Dinner with a Scientist (Sacramento, CA)” as a recent example. Kleinfelder adds, “When our employees volunteer their time, share their expertise, or simply tell their stories, they help students see themselves as future engineers, scientists, planners, and innovators.”

Engineers Week runs Feb. 22–28, 2026 in Hawaiʻi County, and local organizers and firms are encouraged by national groups to use the week to connect classrooms with careers, showcase island infrastructure work, and recruit a more diverse pipeline of talent.