More than 50 parents and students gathered at Noelani Elementary School in Manoa this morning to call for an end to “furlough Fridays.”

“We want this school to be open,” said parent Robert Perkinson, who helped organize the demonstration. “We recognize the state’s in a difficult situation, but it can’t be the best solution to solve this budget crisis to throw 170,000 kids into chaos.”
The event at Noelani, which included several speeches and sign-making for kids, started about 7:30 a.m. and was to wrap up around 9 a.m.
From Noelani, the parents and students were planning to board buses headed for a big rally at the state Capitol.
“We just want to register our concern,” said John Szostak, whose 7-year-old son attends Noelani.
Parent Sivylay Jones attended the Noelani event and said it’s unfair that her son is not getting the same education that she did.
“People need to stand up,” she said.