Tuesday, October 1, 2013

20th Annual Children and Youth Day Honors Hawaii's Keiki

The 20th Annual Children and Youth Day will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will take place on the grounds of the Hawaii State Capitol and its surrounding areas, Iolani Palace grounds, Punchbowl Street, the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, Kalanimoku Building grounds, and The Frank F. Fasi Civic Center.

Children, teens and families will have the chance to enjoy over 150 interactive, educational, and fun activities sponsored by community organizations. They will also be able to learn about the services and programs that are committed to keeping children and youth in their community excited about learning and exploring their talents and interests while keeping them healthy and safe. In addition, there will be six main stages of great entertainment and more than a dozen food vendors.

Other highlights include:
•   BrushBots Workshop
•   Sports activities (Spike 'n Serve Volleyball, Honolulu Bulls Soccer, U.S.T.A Tennis, and Hawaii State Jr. Prep. Football Clinic)
•   Aerospace activities in the State Capitol Auditorium on the Chamber Level of the Capitol
•   Pre-natal and early learning activities for infants, toddlers, and pregnant moms
•   Sustainability and recycling activities
•   Guinness Book of World Records World's Largest Heart at 2:00pm
•   Social entrepreneurship activities
•   Guided tours of Iolani Palace, The Governor's Office, and King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center
•   Dozens of rides and bouncers (Thor's Mountain, Mad Twister, Bungee Trampoline, Wild One Obstacle Course, Crazy Mountain, Trains, and Mad Hatter Climbing Wall)
•   Oversized displays and demonstrations (HFD's Keiki House, Ancient World of Europe, Ancient Warriors of Asia, Samadha Aerial Acrobatics, Martial Arts, State Sheriffs, Honolulu Police Department's K-9 Unit and Solo Bike, Hawaii Civil Air Patrol Glider, American Medical Response Ambulance, and car displays promoting safe driving)

"Twenty years since its inauguration, Children and Youth Day has blossomed into a wonderful and meaningful celebration of Hawaii's keiki," said Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, the event's chair. "Hawaii's children are an important and precious part of our lives. I highly encourage everyone to attend this year's event and help us honor our children and youth. A big mahalo to our generous sponsors and over 4,000 volunteers who helped make this event possible."

FREE PARKING will be available at all neighboring State and County public parking lots, Central Middle School, Board of Water Supply Parking Lot, and Alapai Transit Center Parking.

Last year, about 50,000 people attended the event, which has grown to become one of the largest community celebrations in the State since its inception. Children and Youth Day was established by law in 1993 as the first Sunday of every October. The event kicks off Children & Youth Month, which was established by law in 1997. For more information, please call Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland's office at (808)586-6130, e-mail cyd@thepaf.org, or go to www.HawaiiCYD.org.

Children participate in one of the many fun and educational activities offered by community organizations. Members of the public gather on the grounds of the Hawaii State Capitol and its surrounding areas for a day of fun and interactive activities. (Photos Courtesy: Children and Youth Day.)

View the media release.