For many parents, it’s an annual tradition to stand in line the night before summer fun sign-ups in Manoa begin and they say it’s well worth the wait.
"Got here about 11:00 last night," says Jayson Harper, Makiki resident.
"Two, two a.m.," says Stefanie Ching, Honolulu resident.
"2:45 got here at 3," says Valerie Yim, Manoa resident.
Dozens of parents packed up their chairs and blankets and camped outside Manoa gym before doors opened for registration 9 a.m. Saturday.
Last year, the summer fun program at Manoa cut 100 spots to increase enrollment at other summer programs in the area.
Parents say the great location and price is what makes the program so popular.
"I think it’s because it’s close to town and everybody who works in town just puts their kids here cause it’s easier," says Yim.
Parents pay $100 for each child they sign-up in the 6 week program.
"This is a very economical and good quality programs so that’s why it’s so popular that we’ll sleep on the ground for it," says Cheryl Yasunaga, Honolulu resident.
"You can’t beat it it’s a great price especially during this economy, it’s a great program it’s a good alternative for summer care," says Harper.
Unfortunately, some parents weren’t so lucky.
"I knew we would have to wait in a long line but I didn’t realize I wouldn’t get in if I got here an hour early," says Linda Lierheimer, Manoa resident.
"I knew that people slept overnight but I thought they were crazy but I guess not," says Lierheimer.
More than two dozen parents had to put their child on a waiting list.
"As parents we’re more bummed then cause now we got to think about what he’s going to be doing during the summer," says Jason Hijirida, Ewa resident.
As for next summer…many parents say they’ll stand in line again…
"I’ll probably come out here a week beforehand and just camp out," says Harper.
"Sleep on the ground again next year I’ll bring something more heftier to sleep on," says Yasunaga.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
