September 2025 Newsletter

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Aloha,

In September, we continued celebrating Digital Aloha Month with visits to Waimea Middle Charter School and Waimea Canyon Middle School, helping to raise awareness about the importance of using the internet safely and responsibly.

I also had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of Parkway Village Preschool in Kapolei — the state’s first pre-K-only charter school — and participated in the Korean American Institute’s inaugural National Conference of Community Leaders.

Please stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and my Website for the latest updates. Your thoughts, feedback, and ideas are always welcome.

Mahalo!

Sylvia Luke
Lieutenant Governor

Spreading Digital Aloha Across Hawaiʻi

Waimea Middle Charter School

Waimea Canyon Middle School

In recognition of Digital Aloha Month, I had the pleasure of visiting Waimea Middle Charter School on Hawaiʻi Island and Waimea Canyon Middle School on Kauaʻi to help raise awareness about the importance of responsible technology use.

During the visits, we discussed the 5 Principles of Digital Aloha and played an interactive game focused on online behavior and broadband internet. The visit helped students learn about how to navigate the digital world with care and intention.

As technology becomes increasingly embedded in our daily lives, our youth are more connected than ever—using the internet for school, social media, and staying in touch with friends and family. While these platforms offer incredible opportunities to learn and create, they also present real challenges.

That’s why we must continue to promote positive, respectful, and safe online spaces. Digital Aloha Month reminds us that technology should be a tool for connection, growth, and meaningful impact—not for harm or harassment. Let’s continue to lead with aloha, both online and off.

DIGITAL ALOHA MONTH

Hawaiʻi’s First Pre-K Only Charter School at Parkway Village Preschool

I had the honor of joining the grand opening of Parkway Village Preschool in Kapolei, Hawai‘i’s first pre-K-only charter school. This milestone is a major step forward in our Ready Keiki initiative, which is focused on giving every 3- and 4-year-old in Hawai‘i access to preschool.

Ready Keiki isn’t just about expanding access to childcare and education, it’s also about supporting working families. Parkway Village Preschool reflects our broader vision of providing safe learning environments for our keiki so their families can go to work with peace of mind.

With six classrooms, offering 80 pre-K seats in partnership with Parents and Children Together (PACT), this preschool is a model of collaboration and community-driven development.

Commemorating Korean American Leadership and Community Impact

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of participating in the Korean American Institute’s inaugural National Conference of Community Leaders —an event centered on education, policy, and action for Korean Americans.

Hosted in Philadelphia, one of the first cities of Korean-U.S. immigration, it was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact our community has made since the first Korean immigrants came to the U.S. 122 years ago. As a proud Korean immigrant, I’m deeply grateful for the strong and supportive Korean community that raised me in Hawai‘i.

What makes our state so special is the way we honor and preserve the rich traditions and cultures that shape our diverse communities. I continue to be inspired by how Hawaiʻi is a leading example of the Korean American community.

Bridging the Digital Divide Across Hawaiʻi: Molokaʻi Digital Hub

As part of our Connect Kākou initiative, we’re working to ensure every Hawaiʻi resident has access to affordable, high-speed internet—something rural communities across our islands have long struggled with.

That’s why the opening of the Molokaʻi Digital Hub is such a significant milestone. This new hub expands digital access for residents by offering reliable Wi-Fi, computers and printers, digital literacy classes, workforce development training, telehealth services, and on-site support—all available to Molokaʻi residents.

Mahalo to the partners who made this possible and are helping Molokaʻi stay connected, supported, and ready for an increasingly online future. By investing in digital equity and community resilience, we’re creating opportunities for every resident to thrive in today’s connected world.

Celebrating 40 Years of
Hawaiʻi-Okinawa Friendship

At the end of August, I had the privilege of hosting the 40th Anniversary Reception of the Hawaiʻi-Okinawa Sister-State Relationship. This year also marks 125 years since the first Okinawan immigrants arrived in Hawaiʻi — a powerful testament to the enduring strength of Okinawan culture and community here.

Mahalo to Governor Tamaki and the visiting mayors from Okinawa Prefecture for joining us. Your presence truly highlighted the deep and lasting bonds between our islands.

Capitol Visitors Spotlight

Wishing a farewell to Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald as he prepares for his retirement.

Welcoming Acting Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Honolulu, Consul General Kim.

Congratulating the West Oʻahu 12U Hammahz Boys Soccer Team on winning the 2025 National American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) 12U championships.