Kauai protests program cuts

KAPAA, Kauai » Students, parents and community members on Kauai have rallied to protest Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s plan to cut funding for several youth programs.

They lined the road near Kapaa Beach Park Wednesday, holding signs that said "Help Save Our Program" and "Keep Our Funding."

About Face instructor Gordon Doo told The Garden Island newspaper that children on Oahu can find alternatives as they have other programs that overlap with what’s being offered by programs that the governor is cutting. But he said Kauai doesn’t have these alternatives.

Jump Start program site manager Madison Perry said people can support these programs by sending letters to their legislators.

The state is trying to find ways to make up for a forecasted $850 million budget shortfall over the next two years.