Sylvia Luke

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke is leading the Ready Keiki initiative to provide more preschools across the islands to help struggling families. Speaking to The Conversation, she shared the news that Ready Keiki will expand with additional preschool sites this fall.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke talked with us about two initiatives she has taken on: broadband and early childhood education.

Hawaiʻi's internet connectivity currently relies on three main undersea cables — two are nearing the end of their operational lifespans. The new cables, funded by Google, will connect Hawaiʻi to Japan, the continental United States, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.

The state’s Preschool Open Doors has expanded its subsidy program, meaning more families can now qualify for a break on preschool tuition. It’s one of the largest expansions to the state’s preschool subsidy program for families trying to get childcare for their kids.

Connect Kākou was launched on Tuesday by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke. It's a collaboration between the University of Hawaiʻi and several state agencies, including the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Hawaiʻi Broadband and Digital Equity Office.

The Maui Relief Storage Facility opened in Hakuone at Oʻahu’s Kakaʻako Makai this weekend. It’ll be a hub for donations heading to Maui, which has been inundated with donations from across the world.

University of Hawaiʻi students enrolled in early childhood education programs could have their tuition covered under a stipend program aimed at bolstering the early learning workforce. State and education officials announced Thursday that they will be advancing the Early Childhood Education Stipend Program at the UH Mānoa Children's Center.

A series of bills signed into law on Monday looks to push Hawaiʻi further toward the goal of accessible education for early learners. Among those was House Bill 961, a measure that extends the state's Open Doors Preschool program to 3-year-olds, appropriates funds for the program and more. HPR's Taylor Nāhulukeaokalani Cozloff reports.

Out of 274 bills the state Legislature passed this session, Gov. Josh Green has marked 11 bills he intends to veto in a new list. House Speaker Scott Saiki of Oʻahu said that past governors often vetoed dozens of bills. HPR's Sabrina Bodon reports.

The state appropriated $200 million to build more preschool classrooms across the islands. The initial plan was to begin construction in 2024, but that timeline was moved up to allow the first 11 classrooms to open for the next school year. Seven will be on Oʻahu, two on Maui, and one each on Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi. HPR's Sabrina Bodon reports.