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
Whenever I visit Naʻalehu, I’m instantly reminded of its tight-knit community and the incredible ways neighbors show each other aloha.
This year, we opened three new public preschool classrooms at Naʻalehu Elementary. With limited private providers in the area, our public pre-kindergarten program is a lifeline for many ʻohana with young children.
Mahalo nui to Principal Wilma Roddy and all the amazing students, teachers, and staff for the warm welcome!
Spent the morning with over 35,000 runners at the Honolulu Marathon! It was an honor to blow the starting horn and feel the incredible energy of this iconic race.
With participants from every U.S. state and over 10,000 from Japan, the marathon truly celebrates Hawaiʻi’s worldwide friendships. Congratulations to all the participants, and a special shout-out to my staff member Aldric for running the marathon—I even got to wave at him as he crossed the starting line! 👏
Merry Christmas! 🎄✨
Such a joy kicking off the holiday season with the smiles and cheerful spirit of our Windward Oʻahu community. Mahalo to all the residents, participants, and volunteers for making this morning’s Kaneohe Christmas Parade so special!
A big mahalo to @solomonenos for bringing the community together over the past few months to create a one of a kind piece of Hawaiʻi history. My family had the privilege of leaving our mark on this beautiful mural, which will soon find its place in the State Capitol Pools.
This piece that symbolizes the ocean uniting our islands carries the brushstrokes of our diverse community—from keiki to kupuna. It will forever be a cherished part of the Hawaiʻi State Capitol’s story.
I want to welcome Mayor Kimo Alameda to his new role serving Hawai‘i County. Leadership is grounded in service, and through strong collaboration between our counties and state, we can continue to uplift and strengthen our communities.
Best wishes as well to Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen (@hawaiiprosecutors) and the @hicountycouncil as they begin their terms. I look forward to working alongside all of you to create meaningful change for our island communities.
So much to be grateful for today and everyday. Hope everyone enjoyed time with ʻohana and loved ones this Thanksgiving!
Exercise benefits not only our physical health but also our mental well-being, emotional health, and self-confidence. I joined the Women’s Prison Project and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to celebrate the opening of Hoʻōla, the new fitness center at the Women’s Community Correctional Center in Windward O’ahu.
For these women, access to exercise and the opportunity to care for their health are vital steps toward rehabilitation. Its efforts and programs like this fitness center that help us create meaningful spaces for healing and growth. Mahalo to all who have made Hoʻōla possible.
It was an honor to meet with visitors from Inha University as we celebrate their 70th Anniversary. This milestone reflects the enduring bond between Korea and Hawaiʻi and the legacy of cultural exchange that began over 121 years ago.
Inha University holds a unique place in our shared history. Established by Korea`s first president, Dr. Syngman Rhee, Inha was founded as a tribute to the Korean immigrants who first arrived in Hawaiʻi in 1903. The university`s name—combining “Incheon” and “Hawaiʻi”—symbolizes the connection between the two regions.
Today, Inha continues to honor that legacy by fostering educational and cultural exchange, strengthening the bridge of friendship that unites Korea and Hawaiʻi. Congratulations to Inha on seven decades of excellence in education and innovation!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting some of Hawaiʻi’s newest public preschool classrooms. With over 44 new pre-K classrooms added this year, #ReadyKeiki is making early learning more accessible across the state.
Open enrollment is currently available for all public pre-K classrooms, offering families the chance to apply and secure a spot for their keiki in these free programs.
For details and to apply, visit earlylearning.ehawaii.gov.
Yesterday, we announced that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) has been awarded a $72 million grant from the Biden-Harris Administration to expand broadband access. This funding, provided through the NTIA’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, will bring high-speed internet, digital education, and community centers to thousands of underserved households.
Since launching #ConnectKakou, I’ve been proud to support efforts like this that connect our communities, create opportunities, and empower residents with essential digital tools. Mahalo to Associate Administrator Doug Kinkoph, the NTIA team, and all our partners for creating a more connected Hawaiʻi.
Today we honor Hawaiʻi`s veterans whose courage and sacrifices protect the freedoms we cherish. Mahalo nui loa to every veteran and their ʻohana who stand beside them. Today and always, we are grateful.
It was an honor to welcome everyone to the 8th Annual Pacific Rim Slow-Pitch Championships here in Hawaiʻi. After a four-year hiatus, itʻs so inspiring to see teams from around the world coming together once again in the spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition.
Mahalo to Hawaiʻiʻs own Pacific Rim Slow-Pitch Softball Federation for making this event possible. Your dedication to fostering international friendships through sport is truly remarkable.
Local businesses are truly at the heart of our community. Last week, I attended the 11th Annual Made in Maui County Festival and had a wonderful time meeting Maui business owners and community members while celebrating the island’s unique products.
HI Voted! 🗳️ Have you voted yet?
Your ballot must be received by 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday November 5 to be counted. Find a ballot drop box or voter service center at www.elections.hawaii.gov.
Let`s all vote to ensure our voices matter!
Happy Halloween from Chewbacca Musubi! 🐾🎃
Today is #NationalInternetDay! 🛜
Access to high-quality internet is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for all our residents. So much of our lives depends on it, from work and education to telehealth. To help improve internet access across our state, we’re asking residents to complete a 30-second speed test, allowing us to map connectivity in our communities.
Take the speed test at www.connectkakou.org or the link in my bio.
#DigitalDetectives #ConnectKakou #digitalequityhawaii #broadbandhui #internetforall #hawaiibroadband
It was an honor to celebrate the life and legacy of Representative Mark Nakashima.
Mark’s commitment to his community was unmatched; he always put others first and stayed true to his values. He lived by the phrase Okage Sama De, meaning “thanks to you”—a reflection of his humility and deep dedication to service.
His ʻohana is a testament to his values, and I cannot thank them enough for sharing him with the community and our state through his many years in the legislature.
We will miss his kind spirit, his quiet strength, and his gentle humor. Rest in aloha, Mark.
Today, we’re launching Digital Detectives, a Connect Kākou initiative to map internet speeds across Hawaiʻi, and we need your help! Take a 30-second internet speed test to contribute to creating a statewide internet map.
Complete a test from a desktop or laptop before November 4 to help us identify areas in need of better internet infrastructure and ensure all Hawai‘i communities have access to high-speed internet.
Visit www.connectkakou.org or the #linkinbio to become a Digital Detective! 🔎🛜
This year marks 31 years of sister-state relations between Taiwan and Hawaiʻi, a bond rooted in shared values of community, innovation, and cultural preservation. I had the honor of leading a delegation to Taiwan to further strengthen these ties and explore key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, healthcare, trade, and technology—industries shaping the future of both our regions.
Our discussions addressed critical issues like sustainable farming, the promotion of Indigenous culture and language, and our shared commitment to net-zero goals. As island communities, Taiwan and Hawaiʻi share many challenges and opportunities across sectors, from agriculture to transit. I hope we continue to learn from and engage with one another in meaningful exchanges. Mahalo nui loa and xièxiè to the people of Taiwan for their warm welcome and continued partnership.
UPDATE: The office reopened as of October 28, 2024.
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A note from our office: We’re currently undergoing construction. If you’re dropping off documents, please use our secure drop box. For pick-ups or further assistance, please call (808) 586-0255. Mahalo for your patience and understanding!
Whenever I visit Naʻalehu, I’m instantly reminded of its tight-knit community and the incredible ways neighbors show each other aloha.
This year, we opened three new public preschool classrooms at Naʻalehu Elementary. With limited private providers in the area, our public pre-kindergarten program is a lifeline for many ʻohana with young children.
Mahalo nui to Principal Wilma Roddy and all the amazing students, teachers, and staff for the warm welcome!
Spent the morning with over 35,000 runners at the Honolulu Marathon! It was an honor to blow the starting horn and feel the incredible energy of this iconic race.
With participants from every U.S. state and over 10,000 from Japan, the marathon truly celebrates Hawaiʻi’s worldwide friendships. Congratulations to all the participants, and a special shout-out to my staff member Aldric for running the marathon—I even got to wave at him as he crossed the starting line! 👏
A big mahalo to @solomonenos for bringing the community together over the past few months to create a one of a kind piece of Hawaiʻi history. My family had the privilege of leaving our mark on this beautiful mural, which will soon find its place in the State Capitol Pools.
This piece that symbolizes the ocean uniting our islands carries the brushstrokes of our diverse community—from keiki to kupuna. It will forever be a cherished part of the Hawaiʻi State Capitol’s story.
I want to welcome Mayor Kimo Alameda to his new role serving Hawai‘i County. Leadership is grounded in service, and through strong collaboration between our counties and state, we can continue to uplift and strengthen our communities.
Best wishes as well to Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen (Hawai'i County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen) and the Hawai'i County Council as they begin their terms. I look forward to working alongside all of you to create meaningful change for our island communities.
So much to be grateful for today and everyday. Hope everyone enjoyed time with ʻohana and loved ones this Thanksgiving!
;
Merry Christmas! 🎄✨
Such a joy kicking off the holiday season with the smiles and cheerful spirit of our Windward Oʻahu community. Mahalo to all the residents, participants, and volunteers for making this morning’s Kaneohe Christmas Parade so special!
A big mahalo to Solomon Enos for bringing the community together over the past few months to create a one of a kind piece of Hawaiʻi history. My family had the privilege of leaving our mark on this beautiful mural, which will soon find its place in the State Capitol Pools.
This piece that symbolizes the ocean uniting our islands carries the brushstrokes of our diverse community—from keiki to kupuna. It will forever be a cherished part of the Hawaiʻi State Capitol’s story.
I want to welcome Mayor Kimo Alameda to his new role serving Hawai‘i County. Leadership is grounded in service, and through strong collaboration between our counties and state, we can continue to uplift and strengthen our communities.
Best wishes as well to Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen and the @hicountycouncil as they begin their terms. I look forward to working alongside all of you to create meaningful change for our communities.