Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke

November 21, 2025

HILO, Hawaiʻi — Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who leads the state’s Ready Keiki initiative, visited East Hawaiʻi Island’s three newest public preschool classrooms this month alongside area legislators. The visits included: Kalanianaʻole Elementary in Pāpaʻikou with Representative Matthias Kusch (House District 3 – Hilo, Keaukaha, Panaʻewa, Waiākea), Keaʻau Elementary in Keaʻau with Senator Joy San Buenaventura (Senate District 2 – Puna, Kaʻū), and Keaukaha Elementary in Hilo with Representative Chris Todd (House District 2 – Hilo, Keaukaha).

Ready Keiki launched in January 2023 with one of its primary goals being to expand public preschool options statewide. Since then, the state has opened over 80 classrooms under the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) Public Pre-Kindergarten Program.

Families across East Hawaiʻi Island have expressed growing interest in increasing local pre-K capacity, particularly in communities with large working populations.

“East Hawaiʻi is home to so many of our state’s working ʻohana. Being able to head to work knowing their keiki have a trusted, safe pre-K close to home makes all the difference,” said Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke. “Ready Keiki is about preparing our youngest learners for the future, but it’s also about meeting the needs of today’s families — providing low- to no-cost early education and making pre-K a possibility for every ʻohana.”

Keaʻau Elementary added an additional classroom to an existing one opened in 2015, both of which are fully enrolled. One classroom was opened at Keaukaha Elementary and one at Kalanianaʻole Elementary.

Last year, for the 2024–2025 school year, the Ready Keiki initiative added Hoʻokena Elementary, Kahakai Elementary, Nāʻālehu Elementary, and Paʻauilo Elementary to the Hawaiʻi Island EOEL sites.

“When we open new preschool opportunities, we’re not just adding seats—we’re expanding a child’s horizon,” said Yuuko Arikawa-Cross, Executive Office on Early Learning director. “Every new classroom is a doorway to curiosity, connection, and confidence. It strengthens families, supports our workforce, and builds stronger communities for years to come.”

Chiefess Kapi’olani Elementary

Hilo Union Elementary

Ho’okena Elementary

Hōnaunau Elementary

Honoka’a Elementary

Kahakai Elementary

Kea’au Elementary **

Keaukaha Elementary

Keonepoko Elementary

Kohala Elementary

Konawaena Elementary

Mountain View Elementary

Nā’ālehu Elementary **

Pāhoa Elementary

Pa’auilo Elementary and Intermediate

Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana’ole Elementary

Waimea Elementary

Each classroom in the state’s Public Pre-Kindergarten Program serves up to 20 students, ages 3 and 4, with priority given to children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, or other at-risk circumstances. Enrollment is accepted year-round.

Families are encouraged to apply for an available seat or join a waitlist by visiting earlylearning.ehawaii.gov.

For more information, families can contact EOEL at (808) 784-5350.

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