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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Today, I signed House Bill 692 into law expanding eligibility for the Preschool Open Doors child care tuition subsidy— making it possible for more working and middle-income families to access affordable child care and preschool.
Starting July 1, open enrollment begins and for the first time, families of four earning about $180,000 will be eligible. That means more parents, grandparents, and caregivers will have access to the financial help they need to give their keiki a strong start.
If you or someone you know is caring for a young child, you can apply for the tuition subsidy at patchhawaii.org.
This is about equity. It’s about easing the burden on working families and giving them real choices and real support. And it’s another big step toward our #ReadyKeiki goal: ensuring every keiki in Hawaiʻi is ready to learn, ready to thrive, and ready for the future.
Last Friday, we celebrated World Wi-Fi Day 🌐 — a global initiative recognizing the power of Wi-Fi in bridging the digital divide. Here in Hawaiʻi, we’ve made major strides through Connect Kākou to expand access to high-speed, reliable, and affordable internet — and that’s something worth celebrating every day.
Recently, 6,000+ Digital Detectives statewide mapped Hawai’i’s internet speeds through a 30-second speed test that helped pinpoint where broadband upgrades are most needed — paving the way for better connectivity and opportunities across our islands. 🕵️♀️
And as Acting Governor, I had the honor of signing Act 201 (HB 934), marking a major step forward in expanding digital opportunity across our state. This new law allocates funding for Connect Kākou’s Digital Navigator Program — ensuring that all residents have the support, skills, and knowledge they need to get online through one-on-one guidance from digital navigators at public libraries across the state. 💻
Mahalo to our #ConnectKakou partners for their continued work to bring reliable and affordable high-speed internet to all of Hawaiʻi! 🙌 Learn more at the link in bio or connectkakou.org.
In just two years, we’ve opened more than 55 public pre-K classrooms across Hawaiʻi—and we’re not stopping there. Today, we announced 50 more are on the way.
But Ready Keiki is about more than just classrooms. It’s about investing in our keiki, our families, and Hawaiʻi’s future. 🌱📚
Mahalo to @eoel_hawaii, @hawaiipublicschools, and all our #ReadyKeiki partners for helping bring preschool closer to home for every 3- and 4-year-old across the state. Together, we’re building a future where every keiki is ready to learn, ready to thrive, and ready for the opportunities ahead.
To apply for free, public preschool, visit earlylearning.ehawaii.gov.
Happy Father’s Day! To all the dads, grandpas, uncles, and father figures — thank you for the love, guidance, and strength you bring to our ‘ohana every day.
Watching my husband Mike be a dad to our son Logan (and to our doggies) has brought me so much joy over the years. We’re grateful for everything you do for our family 🤍
Sending our thoughts and aloha to Minnesota.
King Kamehameha I was a visionary leader whose legacy continues to remind us of the importance of leading with purpose, uplifting our communities, and honoring the rich heritage of Hawai‘i.
Today, I had the privilege of presenting a lei pua melia — a symbol of aloha and remembrance — at the King Kamehameha Celebration Lei Draping Ceremony. It was an opportunity to reflect on his life of strength, service, and unity. His legacy continues to guide and inspire our islands.
Today, as Acting Governor, I had the honor of signing my first bill into law. As we work to close the digital divide in Hawaiʻi through Connect Kākou, Act 201 (HB 934) marks a major step forward in expanding digital opportunity across our state. 🌐
This new law establishes the State Broadband Office within the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), giving it clear authority to coordinate broadband deployment across both public and private sectors.
It also provides funding for digital navigators on every major island, ensuring that all residents have the support, skills, and knowledge they need to get online.
Mahalo to our #ConnectKakou partners for their continued work to bring reliable and affordable high-speed internet to all of Hawaiʻi! 🙌
In Hawaiʻi, coffee is more than just a crop — it’s part of our identity. Our homegrown coffee is recognized and loved around the world.
I had the chance to stop by this year’s Kaʻū Coffee Festival to meet with our local coffee farmers and celebrate the rich tradition of coffee growing in Kaʻū and across Hawaiʻi Island. Mahalo to @kaucoffeefest for showcasing Hawaiʻi’s coffee industry and the communities behind every cup ☕️
Matching with these awesome @hgeahawaii retirees! Mahalo to HGEA for inviting me to join their 26th Biennial Retiree Assembly.
Our retired public employees are an essential part of our communities — and I’m so thankful they continue to use their voice to advocate for union rights and the betterment of our state.
As AANHPI Heritage Month comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the vibrant communities that shape the heart of our islands. From traditions to celebrations, it’s a privilege to witness and experience all that makes Hawaiʻi so special.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! 🎓 This year, I attended high school, middle school, and preschool graduations across our state — including my alma mater, Roosevelt HS! Every stage in our keiki’s academic journey is a milestone worth celebrating, and I couldn’t be more proud to see these shining stars grow into the next leaders of Hawaiʻi 🌟
What makes Hawai‘i special is what makes us proud — and it’s our kuleana to authentically share Hawai‘i’s culture with the world. Mahalo to @dbedthigov for hosting the 3rd Annual #HawaiiMade Conference. This year’s theme, “I Ka Mākeke – Going to Market,” focused on promoting locally grown and made products and supporting small businesses in markets at home and abroad.
Today, we pause to remember the heroes who gave their lives in service to our country — upholding the values of duty, sacrifice, and the promise of freedom. Across our islands, the legacy of our ʻohana and loved ones who served lives on in our hearts.
This Memorial Day, we honor them for the aloha and bravery they showed — a legacy we carry forward with gratitude.
Thanks to our new digital agriculture form, #AkamaiArrival, we can stop potentially harmful plants and animals from entering our state—in real time. Whether you’re declaring a zebra 🦓 or plant seeds 🌱, the new digital form makes the process easier for travelers to complete and improves compliance across the board.
To see the full Flight Listing and learn more, visit akamaiarrival.org.
Big mahalo to the 6,000+ Digital Detectives who helped map Hawaiʻi’s internet speeds! And a special shout out to the students at Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School and Kona Pacific Charter School who earned the “Super Sleuth” award for their amazing participation in the statewide effort to close the digital divide.🕵️♀️
Their 30-second speed tests helped pinpoint where broadband upgrades are most needed — paving the way for better connectivity and opportunities across our islands.
Learn about how #ConnectKakou is building a more connected Hawai‘i at the link in bio or connectkakou.org.
It’s always a joy to visit the island of Molokai, and earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the Annual Molokai Educational Resource Fair and connecting with the incredible people who make this community so special.
Mahalo to the Molokai Homestead Farmers Alliance (@molokaihfa) for hosting this important event and bringing together services, programs, and resources that truly make a difference in residents’ lives.
Exciting news — the Apostille and Certification application administered by the Lieutenant Governor’s office is now available in 12 languages! 🌍
Apostilles authenticate state documents for use abroad, including birth certificates, marriage licenses, and notarized documents. With around 9,000 applications processed each year, this marks a major step toward more equitable language access in Hawaiʻi.
As one of the most linguistically diverse states in the country, our government services must reflect that. A big mahalo to my office’s Public Services team for spearheading this effort.
As finals week kicked into full swing, I joined UH Mānoa engineering students at the new @risemanoa to see their semester-end projects in action.
Using entrepreneurial thinking and customer discovery methods, one group of future innovators tackled real-world challenges in collaboration with @DHHLBroadband to support Molokaʻi’s economic resilience through improved digital access. 🛜
Students engaged with leaders like Aunty Rosie Davis, @sendecoite, and homestead beneficiaries to prototype a community directory for telehealth, digital literacy, and connectivity resources.
As we continue to expand access to high-speed internet through the #ConnectKakou initiative, it’s so inspiring to see the forward-thinking of these students and the potential of this project in action across the islands in the near future! Mahalo to their instructor Jeff Hui, the DHHL Broadband Office, Garret Yoshimi, and all who brought this project to life.
MAHALO to everyone who supported this year’s State Employees’ Food Drive benefiting @hawaiifoodbank! Every year, I’m moved by the generosity of our state workers who step up to provide meals and hope for our ʻohana in need. ✨🥫
While today marks the end of the state drive, you can support Hawaiʻi Foodbank all year long. Visit hawaiifoodbank.com.
Mahalo to Hawaiʻi Women Lawyers for inviting me to join their Power Panel: Women in Government! It was an honor to speak alongside Attorney General Anne Lopez, Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama, and Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani—women leaders making a meaningful impact across our state.
As a former attorney, legislator, and now the third woman to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Hawaiʻi, it was inspiring to connect with so many bright young women, from high school students to law students and practicing attorneys. Each one brings a sense of passion and determination to lead, uplift our communities, and help shape a stronger Hawaiʻi.
Today, I signed House Bill 692 into law expanding eligibility for the Preschool Open Doors child care tuition subsidy— making it possible for more working and middle-income families to access affordable child care and preschool.
Starting July 1, open enrollment begins and for the first time, families of four earning about $180,000 will be eligible. That means more parents, grandparents, and caregivers will have access to the financial help they need to give their keiki a strong start.
If you or someone you know is caring for a young child, you can apply for the tuition subsidy at patchhawaii.org.
This is about equity. It’s about easing the burden on working families and giving them real choices and real support. And it’s another big step toward our #ReadyKeiki goal: ensuring every keiki in Hawaiʻi is ready to learn, ready to thrive, and ready for the future.
Join Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke for a press conference of the Preschool Open Doors bill signing and other updates.
In just two years, we’ve opened more than 55 public pre-K classrooms across Hawaiʻi—and we’re not stopping there. Today, we announced 50 more are on the way.
But Ready Keiki is about more than just classrooms. It’s about investing in our keiki, our families, and Hawaiʻi’s future. 🌱📚
Mahalo to @eoel_hawaii, @hawaiipublicschools, and all our #ReadyKeiki partners for helping bring high-quality preschool closer to home for every 3- and 4-year-old across the state. Together, we’re building a future where every keiki is ready to learn, ready to thrive, and ready for the opportunities ahead.
To apply for free, public preschool, visit earlylearning.ehawaii.gov.
Join Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke in a press conference regarding updates to the Ready Keiki initiative.
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Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke announced the next phase of preschool classroom openings, a key part of the Ready Keiki initiative — the state’s plan to provide universal access to pre-kindergarten for all Hawaiʻi families by 2032. Read more: . @lgsylvialuke
As Acting Governor, Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke signed an emergency proclamation regarding brush fires on Maui, activating the Hawaii National Guard to deploy state resources as needed. Read more: . @lgsylvialuke
@lgsylvialuke , serving as acting governor, signed an Emergency Proclamation (EP) today at 6:08 p.m. in response to a brush fire fueled by strong winds around 9:54 a.m. on June 15 near mile markers 24 and 25 on Maui, in the Kahikinui area.