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  Wai'anae, Hawai'i
  October 31st, 2013 - Wai'anae, Hawaii
  
  According to the Hawaii Department of Education, truancy is considered a Chapter 19 Class C offense, punishable by law. At Waianae High School, it has become all too common. Although students around the state are introduced to the rules of Chapter 19 at the start of every year, many students are still unfamiliar with this offense.
  
  “I didn’t know I couldn’t leave campus during recess and lunch, students do it all the time,” said senior Kayla Kauwe.
  
  Waianae High School administration are working on a new plan to keep students in class and ready to learn. This new plan will involve the Honolulu Police Department, hopefully providing quicker results.
  
  “Now if students are found in the act of truancy, we will identify the student and file a police report,” said Matsumoto.
  
  Historically, students at Waianae High School do not feel that truancy this is a serious offense, Including attending family court and Saturday school.
  
  “What would happen is we’d send the student and parents to family court and usually they would have to attend Saturday school,” said Waianae High School dean of students. "It takes too long, too much time wasted,” added Matsumoto.
  
  Teachers and staff feel that this process is as effective as a slap on the wrist. Although this system has been around for a long time, the consequences have not been stopping students from leaving campus.
  
  “The punishment is too lenient as far as administration or whoever is controlling it,” said Waianae High School custodian Mika Telona.
  
  Although, some students are unaware of this offense, others do it just because they know they can get away with it.
  
  “I feel kids leave school because they know they can. The security doesn’t stop us and their policies aren’t enforced,” said Waianae High School student union Treasurer Reynice Silva.
  
  This new system has been long overdue and will hopefully have a bigger impact on student attendance.

“I didn't know I couldn't leave campus during recess and lunch, students do it all the time,"

Kayla Kauwe said.

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Looking Back

Ceranatie Kapahu-Lessary, Photographer

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Courtney Aboy, Reporter

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