HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A Hawaii Island mother is revisiting the debate over a long-standing practice in public school classrooms: the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem.

Mehana Kihoi’s daughter, Kuena Kuhikuhi Kihoi-Kamaka, was waitlisted for a Hawaiian immersion school. While she waits for a spot, she was enrolled in kindergarten at Honaunau Elementary, where they start their day with both the anthem and the pledge.

“I was extremely shocked and surprised,” Kihoi said after she escorted her daughter to campus on the first day.

It was something she thought was barred from schools due to religious exemptions and freedom of speech.

Kihoi, who is Native Hawaiian, decided to sit with her daughter every day since to let her know that she does not have to par

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