Aloha,
This month, I participated in the National Lieutenant Governors Association’s Annual Meeting in Lake Tahoe, where I discussed Hawaiʻi’s efforts in agricultural innovation and biosecurity. I also traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, for the 2025 National Forum on Education Policy, hosted by the Education Commission of the States.
Back home, I attended the opening and blessing of Waiʻanae High School’s Health Learning Lab—the state’s first modern facility of its kind—marking an exciting step forward for hands-on health care education in our public schools.
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Sylvia Luke
Lieutenant Governor
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Leveraging Agricultural Partnerships: Highlights from the 2025 NLGA Annual Meeting
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I had the opportunity to attend the National Lieutenant Governors Association 2025 Annual Meeting, where lieutenant governors and second-in-command officials from the United States and its territories came together to share ideas and discuss pressing issues facing our communities.
I participated in a panel alongside Idaho Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke, where we discussed the importance of protecting and promoting our states’ natural assets. I highlighted how Hawai‘i is leveraging agricultural partnerships and advancing efforts to strengthen local food production.
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As the most isolated population center in the world, Hawai‘i faces unique agricultural challenges. We import nearly 90 percent of our food, have limited viable agricultural land, and remain highly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
At the same time, thanks to our year-round growing conditions, Hawai‘i successfully produces a wide variety of crops—including coffee, cacao, tropical fruits, and flowers. Meeting with other state leaders opened the door to exploring state compacts for food exchange and incentivizing cooperation across diverse climates and regions.
Conversations like these are essential as we work to create more resilient, self-sustaining agricultural systems and build stronger local economies across the nation.
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Strengthening Early Education Through State and Nonprofit Collaboration
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Earlier this month, I joined Hawaiʻi education leaders at the 2025 National Forum on Education Policy, hosted by the Education Commission of the States. It was a valuable opportunity to engage with education leaders from all 50 states and U.S. territories, sharing insights, strategies, and solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in education.
During the conference, I led a discussion on how state governments can collaborate with the nonprofit sector to launch initiatives that expand and support educational opportunities. I shared the work we’re doing through the Ready Keiki initiative—working with counties, the state, nonprofits, and philanthropic partners to make preschool accessible for all of Hawaiʻi’s 3- and 4-year-olds.
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New Health Lab Expands Career Opportunities
at Waiʻanae High School
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Waiʻanae High School held an opening and blessing for a new Health Learning Lab opening to students this school year. As the state’s first modern Health Learning Lab, the facility will give students hands-on clinical training and the chance to earn health care certifications—preparing them for immediate employment after graduation. By expanding health care career pathways within our public schools, we’re opening doors for students to succeed and helping our communities thrive.
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Public Pre-K Seats Available
for 2025-26 School Year
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In June, we announced an expansion of 50 additional public pre-K classrooms set to open statewide over the next two years. Of those, 25 are scheduled to open for the 2025 –26 school year, adding approximately 1,000 new seats and bringing the statewide total to more than 2,700 by the 2026-27 school year.
Applications for the 2025-26 school year EOEL Public Prekindergarten Program are currently open and accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, families can contact EOEL at (808) 784-5350 or visit earlylearning.ehawaii.gov.
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More Families Now Eligible for
Preschool Tuition Assistance
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The state’s pre-K and child care tuition subsidy program, Preschool Open Doors (POD), is still accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year.
Last month, we announced a major expansion of POD, raising the income limits to support more working families. The open enrollment period, which began on July 1, will continue as long as funds remain available.
Interested families may apply online here, or request an application from PATCH by visiting patchhawaii.org, calling (808) 791-2130, or toll-free at (800) 746-5620.
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Capitol Visitors Spotlight
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Wishing a farewell to Consul General Lee.
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Meeting with East-West Center President, Celeste Connors.
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Welcoming the Incheon City Council during their visit to Hawaiʻi.
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Highlighting significant bills introduced by Kauaʻi legislators that became law.
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Welcoming the Korean War Veterans Association.
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Congratulating the Hawaiʻi Youth Commission at their Swearing-In Ceremony.
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Welcoming the American Legion Auxiliary Hawaiʻi Girls State for their closing ceremony.
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Celebrating Independence Day with the Kailua community at the Kailua 4th of July Parade.
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Attending the 2025 Kohala Reunion and Kohala Hongwanji Bon Dance.
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Visiting Maui for the Makawao Stampede Rodeo.
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Attending the Hawaii Chocolate and Cacao Association’s Conference.
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Bringing awareness to Hawaiʻi’s agriculture and ranching industries at the Hawaii State Farm Fair.
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Enjoying the festivities at the Rissho Kosei-kai Bon Dance.
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Supporting local farmers and vendors at the Mililani Farmers' Market.
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Wishing a farewell to First Lady Jean Ariyoshi at the Yushinkai Arigato Event.
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Joining the Kōloa community at the Annual Historic Kōloa Plantation Days Parade.
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Congratulating the dedicated employees at the Department of Human Services Employee Awards.
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Attending the Palolo Hongwanji Bon Dance.
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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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