The Promise of Universal Access to Pre-K. Ready Keiki is a statewide public-private effort to expand access to preschool for all 3 and 4 year olds.
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![<a href="https://ltgov.hawaii.gov/featured/lieutenant-governor-hosts-2nd-annual-food-drive-fest-for-hawaii-foodbank/">Lieutenant Governor Hosts 2nd Annual Food Drive Fest for Hawaiʻi Foodbank<br /><span>Read More<span class="fa3icon icon-signin"></span></span></a>](wp-content/themes/hic_state_template_parent/timthumb/timthumb.php?src=https://ltgov.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Website-Headers-1-1.png&h=500&w=1920&q=100)
![<a href="https://ltgov.hawaii.gov/featured/monumental-expansion-of-preschool-open-doors-program-applications-open-now/">Monumental Expansion of Preschool Open Doors Program: Applications Open Now<br /><span>Read More<span class="fa3icon icon-signin"></span></span></a> group of people stand in front of sign that says](wp-content/themes/hic_state_template_parent/timthumb/timthumb.php?src=https://ltgov.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Website-Header-2.png&h=500&w=1920&q=100)
Connect With Lt. Governor Luke
Chairing the @hawaiifoodbank’s State Employees’ Food Drive is a great honor— witnessing the impact of community support through donations and volunteerism has been truly inspiring. I’d like to mahalo @mayorrickhnl and the @honolulucitycouncil for their dedication to supporting the Foodbank and feeding our community.
Hawai’i Foodbank provides a critical service to our residents and is committed to ending food insecurity across our state. Together, we can ensure no one in Hawai’i goes hungry.
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As the state office responsible for name changes, we are constantly seeking ways to improve the process.
This month, our office made the Minor Name Change Form fully available online. Now, parents and guardians can easily fill out the form and submit payment through the online portal. This is a significant step in modernizing our public services for our residents.
Visit namechange.ehawaii.gov to learn more.
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Congratulations to all the Class of 2024 DOE graduates! 🎓
Your achievements throughout your time in school have shaped you into the bright young minds you are today. As you embark on the next chapter of your life, continue to work hard and strive for greatness. Best wishes on your future endeavors, and congratulations on this incredible milestone! 🎉
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It is an honor to serve Hawaiʻi, and it is an honor to make history as the first Korean American Lieutenant Governor in the United States.
As a kid growing up in South Korea, I never would have imagined myself in this role. But as we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I continue to be inspired by fellow #AANHPI leaders who overcome adversity in their communities and show us all the importance of representation.
Mahalo to @apaics_org, and Happy #AANHPIHeritageMonth!
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Mahalo to the Hawai’i Military Affairs Council (MAC) for inviting me to join their annual visit to Washington D.C. During my time with MAC, we had the opportunity to meet with key leaders of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Together, we discussed the need for furthering cooperation and understanding to honor Hawaiʻi’s unique heritage and environment, while continuing our relationships with the various sectors of our military partners.
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This week marks the final week of the State Employees’ Food Drive! Meals and donations raised from this drive will aid @hawaiifoodbank’s ongoing efforts to nourish our ‘ohana 🥫🫶🏼
Your support goes beyond providing food for keiki, kupuna, and families across Hawaiʻi — it provides nourishment, hope, and aloha.
To support, visit hawaiifoodbank.org/state or the #linkinbio.
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This Mother’s Day I’m an especially proud mom to see my son, Logan, graduate from college. Wishing all the moms a wonderful day with loved ones! ...
Our early educators and child care providers do so much for our keiki, providing a safe environment for our young children to play, learn, and grow. Today, we recognize all the contributions of the child care providers in Hawaiʻi who support our keiki and working parents.
Mahalo for all you do to keep our keiki safe, nurture their curiosity, and prepare them for a lifetime of learning and growth. #ThankYouChildCare #ReadyKeiki
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We’re ensuring that every Hawaiʻi resident has access to reliable internet.
Thanks to a monumental $1 billion investment from Google to enhance internet infrastructure in the Pacific, Hawai’i will soon benefit from three new trans-Pacific internet routes—ensuring that our internet infrastructure will support us for generations to come.
Learn more at connectkakou.org.
#ConnectKakou
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I had a great time at the Flores de Mayo & @filipinofiesta_hi this past weekend where I got to learn and experience so many exciting aspects of the Filipino culture!
It was awesome to see so many local Filipino businesses, traditional Filipino performances, and members of the community come together to celebrate.
Mahalo to the @filipinojayceesofhonolulu and the Fil Com Center for putting on this exciting event and continuing to create an environment where the Filipino culture can thrive in our state. 🇵🇭
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Congratulations to our Hawaiʻi State Legislature on the adjournment sine die of the 2024 legislative session. Today marks the end of a productive session that focused on supporting our Maui ‘ohana and addressing the most pressing needs of our state.
I’d also like to extend my best wishes to my former colleagues as they embark on their next chapters—Representatives Scott Nishimoto, Bert Kobayashi, Cedric Gates, and Senator Maile Shimabukuro. Each of you has played a significant role in advancing your communities and our state. Mahalo for your years of service.
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The @womensfundhawaii works to empower the most vulnerable women and girls in Hawaiʻi, ensuring their safety, health, and economic security 🌺
At their annual Tea & Champagne event, I got to meet so many incredible women dedicated to making meaningful changes in our communities.
Mahalo to WFH for uplifting women and girls to reach their highest potential. By investing our resources into helping women overcome social and economical barriers, our Hawaiʻi families and communities thrive.
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Internet for all of Hawaiʻi is the foundation of the Connect Kākou initiative—which is why I’m grateful to Google for investing in improving Hawaiʻi’s internet infrastructure.
With a $1 billion investment, Google will help connect Hawai’i via three transpacific routes, strengthening our state’s digital infrastructure and connection to the Pacific and beyond. Just as we need multiple roads to access different areas, these pathways ensure everyone can get online, stay online, and thrive.
Mahalo to Google and our #ConnectKakou partners for their ongoing efforts in creating a more resilient and reliable internet connection for Hawaiʻi. Together, we can ensure no one in our state is left behind. Learn more at the #linkinbio.
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As our state continues to modernize its services, Doug Murdock, Hawaiʻi Chief Information Officer, has been a key leader in this endeavor, overseeing some of the largest technology initiatives to ensure we remain at the forefront of data and technology.
Doug’s contributions to bringing innovative technology to our state are truly significant, and I was happy to recognize him and public sector IT leaders at the inaugural Hawaii Data + AI Summit.
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In just one year, we have created over 200 new preschool seats for our children as part of the #ReadyKeiki initative. As we continue to build on this progress and expand opportunities for our keiki, quality early education remains essential.
That is why I’m grateful and proud of the charter and public preschools across our state for their continued commitment to preparing our keiki for kindergarten and their futures.
#hawaiipreschool #hawaiiprek #hawaiikeiki #keikifirst
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Preschool can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000 a month. That’s why we’re committed to expanding access to preschool across our state to ensure that our keiki are ready to learn while giving families the chance to return to work knowing their children are in a safe learning environment.
#ReadyKeiki
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A warm welcome to the newest board members of the Early Learning Board — Alanna Bauman, Kauʻi Burgess, and Stephanie Shipton.
I’m looking forward to working with these accomplished women and the full board to continue progressing our state’s early learning goals and ensuring every keiki in Hawai’i has access to high-quality preschool. #ReadyKeiki
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Big mahalo to everyone who came by for Day 1 of Food Drive Fest 🤗
We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 2 from 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM with more ‘ono food, desserts, and treats to support @hawaiifoodbank. See you there!
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#Throwback to last year’s Food Drive Fest!
This Thursday and Friday from 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM, my office will be hosting the 2nd Annual Food Drive Fest where you can enjoy ʻono foods, desserts, and snacks from local vendors 🍱🍣🍦
Join us in supporting @hawaiifoodbank by stopping by or bringing any non-perishable foods or other donations. Mahalo!
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I had the honor of meeting Executive Vice Governor of Fujian, Ms. Guo Ningning during her recent visit to Hawaiʻi.
From tourism, transportation, and infrastructure — we discussed opportunities for more exchange between Fujian and Hawaiʻi, and how to further foster the friendship between our two states.
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“On behalf of the state of Hawaiʻi, I extend my deepest condolences to the ʻohana and loved ones of those involved in this tragic accident. Guy Croyden, and James and Amy Nichole Ruark Quintua are in the thoughts and prayers of our community at this difficult time.
For the last four days, the Coast Guard, County of Kauaʻi, along with many of our state and federal partners led an extensive search and recovery operation. Mahalo nui loa to Mayor Kawakami for his leadership, and the rescue teams for their aloha and dedicated efforts. We remain committed to supporting the affected families in any way we can.”
- Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke
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I’m heartbroken about the news of Representative Mark Nakashima’s passing, who has been my close friend ever since attending UH Mānoa together.
Mark was not only a strong advocate for his constituents but also a champion for medical access and equality in our rural communities. I will miss him dearly and send my prayers and aloha to his loved ones during this time.
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The response by the County of Maui and our state agencies to the Crater Road Fire at Haleakalā has been swift, proactive, and coordinated. From the initial report yesterday evening, the County quickly engaged state partners, the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, and my office.
Currently, the fire is 50% contained and the suppression efforts look positive. Mahalo to Mayor Bissen, Fire Chief Ventura, Maui Emergency Management Agency Director Lonokailua-Hewett, and the first responders for their quick action to aid in protecting public health and safety, property, and natural resources.
- Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, serving as Acting Governor
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It's bon dance season in Hawaiʻi! 🏮
Mahalo to the many community groups for organizing the obon festivals across our islands, bringing residents together to dance, enjoy food, and honor our loved ones.
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As the most isolated island chain in the world, Hawaiʻi faces unique challenges in maintaining food security. That’s why supporting our state’s agricultural community is so important.
In May, the first-ever delegation of Hawaiʻi’s agricultural leaders traveled to the nation’s capital to engage with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It was a historic moment for our agriculture sector as we aim to support our local economy and preserve our cultural heritage.
You can read about the visit in my latest newsletter, “From Hawaiʻi to Washington, D.C.: Advancing Our State’s Agricultural Future,” at the link in bio.
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Mahalo to the Hawaiʻi State Senate for celebrating Pauoa El Principal Dale Arakaki (pictured) and Keʻelikōlani Middle Principal Joe Passantino for their achievements as outstanding school leaders.
Repost @HTDCorg: Prevention is your best defense when it comes to safeguarding your business from the threat of cybercriminals.🌐💻🔒 DBEDT’s Cybersafe Hawaii Program offers FREE cybersecurity services to eligible Hawaii small businesses and provides them with a technical …
assessment of their IT systems to identify vulnerabilities, cyber awareness training for their employees, and systems testing to validate security all at NO COST.
Space is limited so apply today: http://cybersafehawaii.org
Starting July 1, we are prepared to preemptively shut off power in areas that appear at high risk of wildfire as part of our Public Safety Power Shutoff program. Customers are urged to prepare for emergencies and the possibility of extended power outages. http://hwnelec.co/qXbq50Sqrwz