2015 Lights On Afterschool 

More than 400 afterschool students, parents, legislators and community members joined this year's Hawai'i Lights On Afterschool Celebration at the State Capitol on Wednesday, October 21st, 2015.
The First Lady of Hawai'i, Mrs. Ige, shared her words of support of afterschool and summer learning programs. Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland and Michele Kidani as well as Representatives, Takashi Ohno and Tom Brower, spoke to the kids about the importance of school, afterschool and having fun. They were also very intrigued about what the kids had to say and spent some time interacting with the children and asking them questions.
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Congressman Mark Takai’s messages were present as well. Corey Rosenlee, HSTA president, joined the celebration. Augie T. and Mehana, his daughter, entertained us with their funny remarks and their upbeat personalities.
The afterschool students loved sign-waving on Beretania street and jumped out of excitement when cars, buses and ambulances responded to their presence. They enjoyed listening to the first lady of Hawai'i and our legislators. A surprise came when Representative Ohno asked them if any one would like to be a legislator when they grow up. Half of their hands went up in the air.
The After-School All-Stars took the stage and gave wonderful performances and testimonies to the delight of everybody.
Before the rally, some of the afterschool students gave testimonies at the Keiki Caucus inviting the members to join them at the rally. After the Caucus, the kids visited the legislator’s offices encouraging them to come to the rally.

The same morning, the Hawaii Afterschool Alliance got invited to be part of  KHON2 “Living 808”. The rally was also covered by KHON2 and it was aired during that evening news.
Thanks to Mrs. Ige, legislators, congressmen’s offices and thanks to all the participants who made this event possible: After-School All-Stars, Boys and Girls Clubs, Catlin School-Age Care, HEE Hui for Excellence in Education, Kama’aina Kids, Moiliiili Community Center, Parents and Children Together, Pearl Harbor and Hickam School-Age Care and YMCA.