September/October 2024 Newsletter
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September was a very eventful month. I had the exciting opportunity to attend the inaugural White House Chuseok Celebration, where various Korean American leaders and guests came together to recognize the community’s strength and progress. I also moderated a panel at the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement’s Annual Convention on how to promote ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi in early childhood education.
In October, I led a Hawaiʻi delegation to Taiwan to strengthen ties between our sister-state and learn more about the various industries in the country. Throughout the last couple months, I visited new public preschool classrooms to deliver Ready Keiki backpacks with legislators and had a great time meeting all the keiki.
Mahalo
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Sylvia Luke
Lieutenant Governor
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Celebrating New Beginnings with
Ready Keiki Backpacks
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After the successful opening of 44 new public preschool classrooms in August, we had the opportunity to visit some of the classrooms and deliver backpacks filled with school supplies donated by our Ready Keiki partners.
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During our visit, the schools' legislators and I enjoyed reading books to the keiki, including some in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi! Seeing the excitement of these students as they began their school journey was a truly special experience.
Mahalo to the incredible principals, teachers, and keiki for warmly welcoming us to their classrooms!
The Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) accepts applications for the state’s Public Pre-Kindergarten Program on a rolling basis. For more information, visit earlylearning.ehawaii.gov.
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Become a Digital Detective
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Join our Digital Detectives initiative, part of Connect Kākou, and help improve internet access in your community! Residents are encouraged to conduct a quick, 30-second internet speed test at home or on a community computer. The data collected will help create a statewide map of internet speeds to identify areas needing better connectivity.
Our public and charter middle school students are encouraged to run speed tests and learn about digital equity. Participating classrooms will be eligible for a prize.
If you haven’t taken the test yet, you have until November 4th. Let’s all become Digital Detectives and work together to improve internet access in our state!
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Elevating Our Schools and
Community with ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
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Top (L-R): Kaʻiu Kimura, Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, Yuuko Arikawa-Cross
Bottom (L-R): Ka‘iulani Laehā, Dr. Kauanoe Kamanā, Kaʻanoʻi Walk
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I had the pleasure of moderating a panel at the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement’s Annual Convention — “Advancing Hawaiian Language in Our Schools and Beyond.” Together, we had a meaningful conversation and explored the important role of Hawaiian medium education in renormalizing ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
As we expand early learning with Ready Keiki, we are committed to collaborating with our Hawaiian language partners to promote ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi education for our youngest learners.
Mahalo to the panelists for joining this important conversation. These leaders have worked tirelessly to revitalize the Hawaiian language and ensure that ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi remains a crucial part of Hawaiʻi for generations to come.
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Bridging Cultures in Taiwan
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This year marks 31 years of sister-state relations between Taiwan and Hawaiʻi, a connection grounded in shared values of community, innovation, and cultural preservation.
I recently led a Hawaiʻi delegation to Taiwan to strengthen our ties and explore key sectors like tourism, agriculture, healthcare, trade, and technology—all of which shape the future of both our regions.
We discussed critical issues that both our regions face as island communities, along with the many challenges and opportunities we experience across industries. I hope we continue to learn from and engage in meaningful exchanges with one another. Mahalo to the people of Taiwan for their warm welcome and ongoing partnership.
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Commemorating Unity and Heritage:
A Chuseok Celebration
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It was an honor to represent Hawaiʻi at the inaugural White House Chuseok Celebration, recognizing the strength and spirit of the Korean American community. Chuseok is one of Korea’s most significant holidays, serving as a time for honoring ancestors and gathering with family.
From the first immigrants who arrived in Hawaiʻi over 120 years ago to today’s leaders, the Korean American community has made remarkable strides, consistently working to uplift our communities and commemorate our heritage.
I extend my deepest appreciation to President Biden, Vice President Harris, and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders for hosting the event and acknowledging the significant contributions of Korean Americans nationwide.
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I had a great time celebrating ILWU’s 30th Anniversary and their ongoing dedication to Hawaiʻi’s working families.
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I visited the U.S. Department of Agriculture with a Hawaiʻi delegation to discuss equitable opportunities for agriculture workers nationwide.
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I joined Senator Donovan Dela Cruz on a panel at the 2024 HSAC Conference to discuss the importance of collaboration between state and counties.
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I attended the Women’s Community Correctional Center Blessing Ceremony for their campus’ newly renovated buildings.
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I was excited to celebrate National Day and Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Korea, honoring the strong alliance with the U.S.
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I had a great time speaking to the Kahala Sunrise Rotary Club about Ready Keiki, Connect Kākou, and Maui wildfire recovery.
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I spoke to the National Invasive Species Advisory Committee about the impact of invasive species on Hawaiʻi and the need for greater agricultural stability.
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I had the pleasure of meeting with Australian Consul-General in Honolulu, Greg Wilcock.
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Hours
Monday to Friday
7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
(Except state holidays)
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Location
Hawaiʻi State Capitol,
415 South Beretania Street, 5th Floor
Honolulu, HI 96813
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