Opening Day marks the start of Hawaiʻi's legislative session. It’s a time for community members, advocates, and organizations to gather at the Capitol, connect with lawmakers, and highlight issues that matter to Hawaiʻi’s families and keiki.

HCAN shows up on Opening Day to uplift family voices and advocate for policies that make Hawaiʻi a place where all keiki can thrive. Our presence helps ensure legislators recognize that families and children are a top priority.

Hawaiʻi State Capitol
415 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI

Most activities happen on the first-floor rotunda and surrounding lawn.

HCAN’s Opening Day activities typically run from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.

We’ll share a full schedule of speakers, meet-ups, and activities as the date gets closer.

We encourage all attendees to register so we can prepare materials and send important updates.

Yes! HCAN's Opening Day is free and open to the public.

Everyone who cares about Hawaiʻi's keiki — including:

• Parents & caregivers
• Youth & students
• Educators
• Community partners
• Advocates
• Supporters of HCAN’s mission

Families with children are welcome.

Absolutely! This event is keiki-friendly, though children must remain under adult supervision. We’ll have simple activities and materials to help keep youth engaged.

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and consider teal or previous HCAN T-shirts if you have them. The Capitol is partially outdoors, so bring sun protection or rain gear as needed. We will be giving out 2026 Opening Day HCAN t-shirts for attendees AND KEIKI TOO!

Parking options include:

• State Capitol underground parking (limited)
• Iolani Palace grounds (paid)
• Street parking nearby
• Nearby private lots (fees vary)

Carpooling or public transit is encouraged.

Our activities may include:

• Talking story with legislators
• Sharing our 2026 policy priorities
• Highlighting family voices
• Distributing advocacy resources
• Connecting with partners and supporters

A full schedule will be released soon.

You can help by:

• Attending and showing your support
• Bringing friends, family, or coworkers
• Sharing HCAN's policy priorities with your networks
• Posting on social media and tagging HCAN and HCAN Speaks!
• Donating to strengthen HCAN's advocacy work

We will be going upstairs in groups with HCAN leads/parent advocates during office visits with lawmakers and we can provide tips or scripts if you’d like to talk with them when we meet.

We’ll have print and digital materials that explain our legislative priorities and how you can take action.

Email HCAN's engagement team:
Mele Andrade – [email protected]