2016 Lights On Afterschool 

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​On Wednesday, October 19, The Hawai'i Afterschool Alliance partnered up with 21st Century Community Learning Centers, After-School All-Stars Hawai'i, Boys and Girls Club of Hawai'i, Catlin School Age Care, HEʻE Coalition, Hickam School Age Care Program, Kamaʻaina Kids, Moiliili Community Center, PACT, R.E.A.C.H. and YMCA to celebrate Lights On Afterschool, with over 300 students at the Hawai'i State Capitol Rotunda. The event celebrated the achievements of afterschool students and drew attention to the need for more afterschool programs to serve our keiki. The gathering was one of approximately 8,000 such events across the Nation emphasizing the importance of keeping the lights on and the doors open for afterschool programs. 

Hawai'i Lights on Afterschool started with a rally where students, parents and community leaders demonstrated their enthusiasm for afterschool programs on Beretania Street. Senator Donna Mercado Kim, and Representatives Della Au Belatti, Takashi Ohno, Lynn DeCoite, and Roy M. Takumi spoke eagerly about school and afterschool programs. Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say was delighted to see so many afterschool kids at the rally. Aguie T. was our fabulous MC and his daughter Mahea said a few words to the participants. Gayla Traylor lead our afterschool students in an active Zumba dance, students from Queen Ka'ahumanu Elementary School shared their pride for the A+ programs and Voyager Public Charter School’ students shared a memorable performance. An amazing street dance was done by the YMCA children and a Roosevelt High School student shared how afterschool programs are essential for her life. A member of the Boys and Girls Club gave testimony and After-School All-Stars from Kalakawa and Jarret Middle Schools showcased their talents. The event ended with the participants demonstrating their spirit sign-waving in front of the State Capitol. It was a great day!