Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to lead the inaugural delegation of Hawai‘i agricultural leaders to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). During this visit, we strengthened our ties with federal agricultural partners, reaffirming our state’s commitment to our local agriculture community at all levels of government.
In another historic moment, for the first time in 17 years, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) held a home selection ceremony for the new Puʻuhona Homestead in Waikapū, Maui. This ceremony was especially meaningful to me because of my time as House Finance Chair, when I worked with my colleagues to secure $600 million for DHHL.
Mahalo
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Sylvia Luke
Lieutenant Governor
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From Hawaiʻi to Washington, D.C.: Advancing Our State's Agricultural Future
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Lt. Gov. Luke with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack .
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Members of the Hawaiʻi delegation gathered at the USDA's Whitten building.
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As the most isolated island chain in the world, Hawaiʻi faces unique challenges in maintaining food security. This is why supporting our state's agricultural community is critical.
Recently, I led the first-ever delegation of Hawaiʻi's agricultural leaders to Washington, D.C. to engage with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Our visit aimed to amplify the opportunities and challenges faced by our local agricultural industry.
This historic moment for Hawai'i agriculture opened new avenues for collaboration and support. During our visit, we met with USDA leaders to discuss key priorities, including support for rural development and farming infrastructure, protecting Hawaiʻi’s unique agricultural products, securing grant funding, and enhancing biosecurity measures.
By strengthening our agricultural sector, we can become more self-reliant, support our local economy, and preserve our cultural heritage. This commitment will help us build a more sustainable and resilient future for our islands, ensuring that Hawaiʻi thrives for generations to come.
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A Place to Call Home for DHHL Beneficiaries
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Earlier this month, 52 Hawaiian Homeland beneficiaries gathered in Waikapū, Maui, in a heartwarming celebration to select their lots for the Puʻuhona Homestead.
This project holds a special place in my heart. In 2022, as House Finance Chair, I worked with colleagues to secure $600 million for DHHL — the largest single-year allocation in state history for building Hawaiian homesteads.
Puʻuhona is the first project from that funding and the first DHHL home selection in 17 years. These families have waited for years on the waitlist — including ʻohana impacted by the Lahaina fires. Witnessing them finally receive their homes was truly so special.
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Honoring Leaders Making Strides in Digital Equity
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Since the launch of Connect Kākou, it’s been inspiring to hear the incredible stories of people across Hawaiʻi working tirelessly to bridge the digital divide. The Broadband Hui, in partnership with Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR), is proud to recognize the remarkable progress being made towards digital equity.
The first-ever Digital Equity Innovation Awards celebrates organizations and individuals who are leading the charge to closes Hawaiʻi's digital divide.
If you know an individual or organization making a difference, nominate them by July 12.
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Applications Open for Hawaiʻi Public Pre-K
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This school year, we're opening 44 new public preschool classrooms across the state. If you or someone you know has young keiki, be sure to check the list of new classrooms and visit earlylearning.ehawaii.gov to enroll today.
Children 3- or 4-years-old on or before July 31 of the school year are eligible to apply. For school year 2024–2025, children born on or between August 1, 2019 – July 31, 2021 are eligible.
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New Public Pre-K Classrooms (School Year 2024-2025)
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Hawaiʻi Island
Hoʻokena Elementary School
Kahakai Elementary School
Nāʻālehu Elementary School
Pa'auilo Elementary School
Maui County
Lāna‘i High & Elementary School*
Haʻikū Elementary School
Kīhei Elementary School
Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School
Wailuku Elementary School
Maunaloa Elementary School
Kauaʻi
Kapaʻa Elementary School
O'ahu
ʻĀina Haina Elementary School
Ala Wai Elementary School
Alvah Scott Elementary School
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O'ahu (cont.)
Ben Parker Elementary School
Blanche Pope Elementary School*
Hahaʻione Elementary School
Honowai Elementary School
ʻIliahi Elementary School
Kaʻala Elementary School
Kāhala Elementary School
Kainalu Elementary School
Kauluwela Elementary School
Koko Head Elementary School
Kūhiō Elementary School
Lanakila Elementary School
Leihōkū Elementary School
Mauka Lani Elementary School
Nānāikapono Elementary School
Noelani Elementary School
Pearl City Elementary School
Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary School
Red Hill Elementary School
Solomon Elementary School
Waiʻanae Elementary School
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*Hawaiian Language Public Pre-K
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Kaukau 4 Keiki: Does Your Family Need Help With Food This Summer?
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First, I'd like to say mahalo to everyone who supported the 25th Annual State Employees’ Food Drive! Although the Food Drive wrapped up in May, our support for Hawaiʻi Foodbank continues year-round.
In Hawaiʻi, one in three households with children are facing hunger. Kaukau 4 Keiki is a summer meal box program providing free, nutritious meals to eligible keiki and their families. Visit hawaiifoodbank.org/kaukau to complete the form to see if you are eligible.
Together, we can work to end food insecurity in Hawaiʻi.
For questions, contact food4keiki@hawaiifoodbank.org.
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At the APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit I joined various Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander leaders on a panel to discuss the AANHPI community’s contributions to public service.
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At the Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta, I had an amazing time celebrating and learning about the Filipino culture in our state.
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I was happy to attend the Always Dream Gala and support the organization’s ongoing efforts to ensure all children have access to high-quality books.
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I had the opportunity to join the Hawaiʻi Military Affairs Council (MAC) and meet with key leaders of the U.S. Department of Defense.
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It was an honor to attend the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and celebrate the contributions and achievements of the Filipino community around the world and in our state.
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I had a great time making genki balls with the Genki Ala Wai Project and supporting their efforts to make the canal sustainable for our community to enjoy.
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I joined AHL for their panel Beyond the Classroom: The Next Chapter in Education to discuss how our Ready Keiki plan takes an innovative approach to school facilities and the way we build.
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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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