Hawaii students advocate for safe spaces, opportunities

High schoolers meet with lawmakers to discuss campus safety, after-school programs, and ways to boost student engagement

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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More than 80 public high school students from across Hawaii visited the state Capitol to meet with lawmakers and advocate for solutions to issues like campus safety, lack of accessible after-school spaces, and ways to better inspire and motivate students. The students, from schools like Waipahu, Radford, Kapolei and Campbell High, participated in policy workshops and direct meetings with legislators, pitching ideas to address community challenges and support student success.

Why it matters

The student advocacy day highlighted the real concerns and perspectives of Hawaii's youth, providing lawmakers with firsthand accounts of the issues impacting students' lives both in and out of the classroom. By elevating student voices, the event aimed to spur policy changes that could improve campus safety, expand access to after-school programs and community spaces, and foster more engaging and supportive learning environments.

The details

The students discussed a range of issues, from the need for more safe and supervised after-school spaces to concerns about teacher burnout and campus safety incidents. Some pointed to the recently launched school resource officer program as a positive step, while others emphasized the importance of life-skills education and relationship-building beyond the classroom. Students from Waipahu High praised their school's academy model, which organizes students into career-themed pathways to make lessons more relevant and engaging.

  • The student advocacy day took place on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • The school resource officer pilot program was recently launched in Hawaii.

The players

Xayna Jarra

A 16-year-old junior at Campbell High School who lives in Waianae.

Alexis Lei Magbag

A 17-year-old junior at Campbell High School.

Lakeisha Quitog

A 16-year-old sophomore at Waipahu High School.

Zach Sheets

The principal of Waipahu High School.

Justin Woodson

The chair of the Hawaii House Education Committee.

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot of safety concerns. Firearms and gun laws, especially when it comes into the hands of young people, are scary.”

— Xayna Jarra, Campbell High School junior (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

“We need more community spaces. After-school programs or places to hang out and study together, play together — that's super important for youth.”

— Alexis Lei Magbag, Campbell High School junior (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

“Some teachers are really trying but they're overworked. I'm so scared they're going to quit because of how tired they get.”

— Alexis Lei Magbag, Campbell High School junior (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

“Most of the kids in my school are super-motivated. A big part is all the opportunities that are made available to us.”

— Lakeisha Quitog, Waipahu High School sophomore (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

“We want students to pursue their purpose and passion. They're happier to attend school because it's something they want to learn.”

— Zach Sheets, Waipahu High School principal (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

What’s next

Rep. Justin Woodson, the chair of the House Education Committee, said he plans to follow up on the students' concerns about limited library hours and explore support options to address this issue.

The takeaway

This student advocacy day underscores the importance of elevating youth voices and directly engaging students to understand the real challenges they face. By listening to these firsthand accounts, lawmakers can work to implement policies and programs that better support student safety, community engagement, and overall educational success.