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.
Need help in another language? For 廣東話/广东话 , 國語/普通话 , Kapasen Chuuk , ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi , Ilokano , 日本語 , 한국어 , Kajin M̧ajeļ , Gagana Samoa , Español , Tagalog , ภาษาไทย , Tiếng Việt , Visayan , please call (808) 586-0255.
Connect With Lt. Governor Luke
Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak at Cisco Engage 🌐
Mahalo to @cisco for bringing together public and private sector leaders to discuss the shared opportunities and challenges facing the IT workforce.
As our state advances the #ConnectKakou initiative to expand internet infrastructure, Cisco continues to be a strong partner—supporting schools, hospitals, and government by providing the networks that keep us connected and help Hawaiʻi thrive in this digital age!
Since my time in the legislature, I have been a strong supporter of @ywcaoahu’s programs that empower and uplift women from all backgrounds.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of joining Charter-Spectrum for the presentation of the Spectrum Employee Community Grant, which will significantly enhance the Ka Hale Ho‘āla Hou No Nā Wāhine re-entry program at YWCA Fernhurst—further helping women reconnect with their families and reintegrate into society successfully.
This kind of community support is essential to building a stronger, more compassionate Hawai‘i.
Over 30 years ago, we celebrated the very first Hawai‘i Children & Youth Day—and decades later, uplifting our keiki remains more important than ever. I`ve been fortunate to meet incredible youth across our state, from #ReadyKeiki preschoolers to high schoolers heading to college. Each one is full of potential and unique gifts, contributing to the richness of our state.
Mahalo to our keiki for the light they bring to our lives. They are the next generation of leaders! 🌟
Over the past couple of weeks, I`ve had the pleasure of visiting some of the new public preschool classrooms that opened across our state. From Maunaloa on Moloka‘i to Benjamin Parker in Kāne‘ohe, these keiki are ready to learn and grow.
Starting October 1 until the end of the school year, all public pre-K classrooms across the state are accepting open enrollment. Families are encouraged to apply for their keiki to attend one of the free public preschool classrooms across the state. 📚✨
For more information and to apply, visit earlylearning.ehawaii.gov.
#ReadyKeiki #hawaiipreschool #hawaiiprek #hawaiikeiki #keikifirst
All public pre-k classrooms across the state are accepting open enrollment! Families are encouraged to apply for their keiki to one of the free, public preschool classrooms across the state. 📚✨
For more information and to apply, visit earlylearning.ehawaii.gov.
#ReadyKeiki #hawaiipreschool #hawaiiprek #hawaiikeiki #keikifirst
I`d like to thank the Hawai‘i Children`s Action Network for recognizing me with the inaugural Torch-Bearer Award at their Champions for Children event.
This recognition is truly shared with the incredible partners who have been part of the #ReadyKeiki initiative. From nonprofits, community organizations, businesses, and all levels of government — it’s been a kāko‘o effort to expand access to preschool across our state. This work isn’t just about preparing our keiki for the future; it’s about uplifting our families and building a thriving Hawai‘i for generations to come.
I am honored to be recognized with this award, but even more honored to be able to do this important work. Mahalo nui.
Last week, during a visit to the U.S. Department of Agriculture with a Hawai`i delegation, I had the pleasure of meeting USDA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Penny Brown Reynolds.
We had a great conversation and learned more about her important role in ensuring fair and equitable opportunities for farmers and agriculture workers across the country.
How do we promote and sustain ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i — not only for our students but for generations to come? Last week, I had the honor of moderating a panel at the 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention — “Advancing Hawaiian Language in Our Schools and Beyond.” We had a meaningful conversation on the important role of Hawaiian medium education in renormalizing ‘Ōlelo.
As we expand early learning through #ReadyKeiki, I’m committed to working with our Hawaiian language partners to increase ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i education starting with our youngest learners, so mahalo to @hawaiiancouncil for inviting me to host a panel.
Mahalo to the panelists for this important conversation, and for sharing your knowledge, stories, and time.
• Dr. Kauanoe Kamanā, Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu
• Ka‘iulani Laehā , ʻAha Pūnana Leo
• Kaʻanoʻi Walk, Kamehameha Schools
• Kaʻiu Kimura, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center & Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani
• Yuuko Arikawa-Cross, Executive Office on Early Learning
These leaders have dedicated years to revitalizing Hawaiian language, and it truly takes a kākoʻo effort from all of us to ensure that ʻŌlelo Hawai‘i remains a living, breathing part of Hawai‘i for generations to come. Mahalo nui loa to everyone who continues to support this vital work.
This week, we celebrated #Chuseok, one of Korea’s most important holidays—a time to honor ancestors and gather with family in celebration. In Hawai‘i, our ‘ohana extends beyond our immediate relatives—it includes our entire community.
It was an honor to represent Hawai‘i at the inaugural White House Chuseok Celebration, reflecting on the strength and spirit of the Korean American community. From the first pioneers who arrived in Hawai‘i over 120 years ago to today’s trailblazing leaders, the Korean American community has come so far—always committed to uplifting our communities and honoring our heritage.
Thank you to the White House for recognizing our Korean American community on a national stage. Kamsahamnida! 🌕🇰🇷🇺🇸
I had a wonderful time visiting the Ready Keiki classrooms at Blanche Pope Elementary School! We delivered backpacks full of supplies and books donated by our generous Ready Keiki partners. 🎒
Blanche Pope Elementary is one of the first two Hawaiian Language Public Pre-K classrooms to open under the Ready Keiki initiative. It was so great to see the students excited about their classrooms and read along for story time in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
I had the honor of meeting with the Mayor of Seoul, Oh Se-hoon. We discussed our shared commitment to investing in early childhood education, focusing on how to uplift families and communities in both Hawaiʻi and Korea.
Mahalo to Mayor Oh Se-hoon for graciously hosting our Hawaiʻi delegation and strengthening the ties between our regions. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and strengthening our ties.
Did you know that undersea cables are what keep us connected to the internet? They enable access to essential services like healthcare and education.
Now, we have a once in a generation investment available to Hawaiʻi to strengthen our internet infrastructure and ensure internet for all.
Learn more at ConnectKakou.org 🛜
#ConnectKakou #digitalequityhawaii #broadbandhui
#internetforall #hawaiibroadband
Jeju, South Korea’s largest island, is often affectionately called “The Hawaiʻi of Korea” for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. As island states, Hawaiʻi and Jeju share many common goals, including promoting clean and renewable energy and sustainable tourism.
Mahalo nui loa to Jeju Provincial Governor Oh Young-hun and Jeju Tourism Organization for graciously hosting our Hawaiʻi delegation as we exchange ideas, pursue our shared goals, and celebrate the 37th anniversary of the Hawaiʻi-Jeju Sister-State relationship.
Happy National Dog Day to my Musubi and Momo! 🐾
Today is #FoodDriveDay with @hawaiifoodbank! Earlier this year, I had the pleasure and honor of leading the 25th Annual State Employees` Food Drive — and during this year`s drive, we raised over 366,778 meals! 🥫
Let`s continue to support Hawaii Foodbank year-round in their efforts to feed those experiencing food insecurity. Together, we can nourish our ʻohana today while we work to end hunger in Hawai‘i tomorrow. Visit hawaiifoodbank.org.
As someone born in Korea and raised in Hawaiʻi, I take great pride in the strong ties between the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association and the Seoul Bar Association. Both are committed to fostering connections between lawyers from different cultures, encouraging learning and collaboration.
Mahalo to the Seoul Bar Association for hosting Representative Linda Ichiyama and I during our visit to Seoul! 🇰🇷⚖️
24 new pre-kindergarten classrooms have opened across Oʻahu for the 2024-2025 school year! Offered through the state’s Public Pre-Kindergarten Program, these new classrooms are free, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. ✏️📚
Mahalo to our #ReadyKeiki partners for their continued efforts to expand access to early learning across our state. To apply and learn more, visit readykeiki.org/apply.
#hawaiipreschool #hawaiiprek #hawaiikeiki #keikifirst
I had the pleasure of meeting with some of our local Girl Scouts. We discussed my role as Lieutenant Governor, from overseeing name changes and document authentications to leading our state’s pre-K and high-speed internet initiatives.
These inspiring young leaders reminded me that we can achieve anything we set our minds to, as long as we do it with courage, confidence, and most importantly — character. Mahalo to @girlscoutshi for stopping by! 💚🌟
Six new pre-kindergarten classrooms have opened across Maui County this school year! Offered through the state’s Public Pre-Kindergarten Program, these six new classrooms on Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi are free and accepting applications on a rolling basis. ✏️📚
Mahalo to our #ReadyKeiki partners for their continued efforts to expand access to early learning across our state. Apply and learn more by visiting readykeiki.org/apply or the #linkinbio.
#hawaiipreschool #hawaiiprek #hawaiikeiki #keikifirst
Over the past year, we’ve witnessed unparalleled resilience from our Maui ʻohana. As we mark one year since the devastating wildfires, we are reminded of the strength of our people and the aloha that unites us.
My heart is with everyone affected by the fires who continue to find healing and peace. To those who lost loved ones, the brave first responders, and the entire Maui ʻohana who have shown unwavering strength in the face of adversity — our entire state continues to stand with you as we move forward together. #MauiStrong
Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak at Cisco Engage 🌐
Mahalo to Cisco for bringing together public and private sector leaders to discuss the shared opportunities and challenges facing the IT workforce.
As our state advances the #connectkakou initiative to expand internet infrastructure, Cisco continues to be a strong partner—supporting schools, hospitals, and government by providing the networks that keep us connected and help Hawaiʻi thrive in this digital age!
Since my time in the legislature, I have been a strong supporter of @ywcaoahu’s programs that empower and uplift women from all backgrounds.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of joining Charter-Spectrum for the presentation of the Spectrum Employee Community Grant, which will significantly enhance the Ka Hale Ho‘āla Hou No Nā Wāhine re-entry program at YWCA Fernhurst—further helping women reconnect with their families and reintegrate into society successfully.
This kind of community support is essential to building a stronger, more compassionate Hawai‘i.
Over 30 years ago, we celebrated the very first Hawai‘i Children & Youth Day—and decades later, uplifting our keiki remains more important than ever. I've been fortunate to meet incredible youth across our state, from #ReadyKeiki preschoolers to high schoolers heading to college. Each one is full of potential and unique gifts, contributing to the richness of our state.
Mahalo to our keiki for the light they bring to our lives. They are the next generation of leaders! 🌟
Over the past couple of weeks, I've had the pleasure of visiting some of the new public preschool classrooms that opened across our state. From Maunaloa on Moloka‘i to Benjamin Parker in Kāne‘ohe, these keiki are ready to learn and grow.
Starting October 1 until the end of the school year, all public pre-K classrooms across the state are accepting open enrollment. Families are encouraged to apply for their keiki to attend one of the free public preschool classrooms across the state. 📚✨
For more information and to apply, visit earlylearning.ehawaii.gov.
#ReadyKeiki #hawaiipreschool #hawaiiprek #hawaiikeiki #keikifirst
All public pre-k classrooms across the state are accepting open enrollment! Families are encouraged to apply for their keiki to one of the free, public preschool classrooms across the state. 📚✨
For more information and to apply, visit earlylearning.ehawaii.gov.
#ReadyKeiki #HawaiiPreschool #hawaiiprek #hawaiikeiki #keikifirst
;
#Maui: FEMA extended the Individuals and Households Program for wildfire survivors.
More: http://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241010/femas-temporary-housing-wildfire-survivors-extended-february-2026-supporting
@CountyofMaui @GovHawaii @Hawaii_EMA
Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak at Cisco Engage🌐Mahalo to @Cisco for bringing together public and private sector leaders to discuss the shared opportunities and challenges facing the IT workforce.
As our state advances the #ConnectKakou initiative to expand internet infrastructure, Cisco continues to be a strong partner—supporting schools, hospitals, and government by providing the networks that keep us connected and help Hawaiʻi thrive in this digital age.
Over the past couple of weeks, I've had the pleasure of visiting some of the new public preschool classrooms that opened across our state. From Maunaloa on Moloka‘i to Benjamin Parker in Kāne‘ohe, these keiki are ready to learn and grow.
Families are encouraged to apply for their keiki to attend one of the free public preschool classrooms across the state. For more information and to apply, visit http://earlylearning.ehawaii.gov.
#ReadyKeiki #hawaiipreschool #hawaiiprek #hawaiikeiki #keikifirst