Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL HomeYounger generation at tea party

Younger generation at tea party

By Zahid Arab - bio | email

HONOLULU (KHNL) - While nearly 600 parties took place across America, the finale was right here in Hawaii, which included youth as young as 5-years-old. That group's message to the government: Stop spending or else we'll suffer.

Tea for hundreds anyone?

"I'm kind of bummed because my mom said we were going to a tea party and when we got here there was no tea," said Kailua Resident TJ Metcalf.

16-year old TJ Metcalf takes his with two spoons of sugar and a splash of concern.

"If taxes keep on going up, then I think the economy might have some repercussions in the future," said Metcalf.

Like other young invites, Metcalf says this non-partisan party is a chance to stand up and speak out about Uncle Sam's big spenders.

11-year-old Mariah Lewis makes it a point to educate her younger generation of the event's importance.

"It will help them and their children, and their children's children so they won't have to pay a lot of money," said Makakilo Resident Mariah Lewis.

With messages of lower taxes and less government control, youth say caring about what lawmakers do isn't only their right.

"It's our duty and I think the founding fathers would want everyone to know how important their job in government is."

By asking tough questions and holding lawmakers accountable, Metcalf and many other Hawaii youth hope their voices brew change that will benefit their futures, in our nation, but starting first with our state.