In February, I had the opportunity to highlight efforts that support our state’s Connect Kākou initiative, which aims to expand access to high-speed internet across Hawaiʻi. I joined Tech Savvy Teens as they received the Spectrum Digital Education Grant and also celebrated Digital Learning Day, a day focused on promoting technology and digital skills for all.
You may have also seen some recent stories relating to my campaign. While I cannot address that in my official capacity, I want to assure you that I remain fully committed to carrying out my responsibilities as Lieutenant Governor each and every day. If you have any questions about the work we're doing or our initiatives, please don't hesitate to contact my office.
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Sylvia Luke
Lieutenant Governor
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Tech Savvy Teens
Leading the Way in Digital Equity
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We like to think about the Connect Kākou initiative as a three-legged stool, with infrastructure, devices, and the ‘digital know-how' being at the forefront of making high-speed, reliable internet accessible for every Hawaiʻi resident.
I had the opportunity to congratulate Tech Savvy Teens, this year’s recipient of the Spectrum Digital Education Grant. Created to support nonprofits helping people build digital skills and confidence, this grant will provide Tech Savvy Teens with $15,000 in funding to advance their programming aimed at closing the digital divide. Their efforts support kūpuna in learning essential tech skills while preparing teens with digital knowledge and skills for the modern workforce. This funding helps to close the digital divide by ensuring everyone can use these the internet and devices with confidence and safety.
Mahalo to Tech Savvy Teens for their continued work toward increasing accessibility to technology across our state. As the future generation, their leadership reminds us that digital equity starts with our communities showing up for one another.
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Digital Learning Day:
Connecting Communities Through Technology
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February 12 marked Digital Learning Day—a celebration of learning new technology skills and recognizing how digital tools can strengthen relationships and expand opportunities for every learner.
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As more of our daily lives move online, digital education is essential not just in classrooms, but for residents of all ages. I met with Daniel, one of the Digital Navigators based at our public libraries, who works one-on-one with community members to help them navigate technology and the internet so they can connect, learn, and grow in today’s digital world.
From setting up an email account to navigating a new device or accessing online services, the Digital Navigator program offers free, personalized support to help build confidence and essential tech skills. With our Digital Navigators, every day can be Digital Learning Day.
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Read Across America: Empowering Our Keiki Through Literacy
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Lincoln Elementary School
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Puʻuhale Elementary School
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I had a great time visiting Puʻuhale Elementary School and Lincoln Elementary School to celebrate National Read Across America Day. Spending time reading with our keiki was a joyful reminder of how powerful books can be in shaping our youngest learner’s minds.
Reading plays an important role in children’s growth and success. By encouraging a lifelong love of books, we help nurture curious and confident learners. Events like these not only promote literacy, but also strengthen our community by bringing students, teachers, and families together through a shared love of reading.
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Recognizing Hawaiʻi Educational Professionals Shaping Our Keiki’s Future
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I had the opportunity to speak at the Hawaii Government Employees Association’s (HGEA) Statewide Educational Institute Day, held at Waiākea High School. I was able to thank the many principals, vice principals, educational officers, and assistants —who keep our schools running every day.
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While much of their work happens behind the scenes, their impact does not go unnoticed. Each and every one of them play an important role in shaping our students’ experiences, guiding and nurturing them as they grow into the next generation of leaders.
Mahalo to HGEA for inviting me, and a heartfelt mahalo to everyone in attendance for the important work you do in service of our keiki and our communities.
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Capitol Visitors Spotlight
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Welcoming Ireland Senator, Mark Daly to the Capitol during his visit to Hawaiʻi.
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Welcoming Congresswoman Jill Tokuda to the Capitol.
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Meeting with high school student leaders during their visit to the Capitol for the Secondary Student Conference.
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Welcoming United Pharmacists of Hawaii to the Capitol.
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Meeting with students from Yonsei University.
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Meeting with individuals from HSTA Maui.
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Welcoming HSTA teachers to the Capitol.
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Welcoming law students from Aoyama Gakuin, Aichi, Meiji, and Waseda Universities to the Capitol.
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Welcoming Hawaii Future Farmers of America members to the Capitol.
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Welcoming Moanalua Middle School 8th grade students to my office during their field trip to the Capitol.
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Visiting the Honolulu Zoo 🦁🦏🦒
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I had a great time visiting the Honolulu Zoo, where I learned more about the incredible work of our zookeepers and met some of the animals that call it home.
For generations, the zoo has been a special place where families can come together to learn about wildlife and conservation. Mahalo to the dedicated zookeepers and to the Honolulu Zoo for continuing to serve as an important space for education, connection, and community in Hawaiʻi.
Check out this reel to see some of the amazing zoo animals!
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Visiting the pre-K students at Barbers Point Elementary School’s Ready Keiki classroom.
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Supporting Hawaiʻi’s agriculture industry at the annual Ag Day at the Capitol.
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Speaking at the Akaka Family Foundation Emerging Language Skills in Early Development Workshop.
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Attending the Building Owners and Managers Association Member Meeting.
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Visiting the Lum Sai Ho Tong Temple to ring in the Lunar New Year.
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Attending the Alzheimer’s Association
Mahalo Pau Hana.
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Walking around the UH Research & Science Fair at the Capitol.
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Joining the Chinatown community for the Lunar New Year Parade.
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Meeting members of the community at the Talk Story with HGEA Retirees event.
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Welcoming Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network's new Executive Director, John-Paul Chaisson-Cárdenas.
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Touring Poli Hale Heart of the House at Hilton Hawaiian Village.
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Supporting Hawaiʻi-based entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and innovators at the Food and Product Innovation Network at the Capitol.
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Teaching students about public service and our state symbols at Holomua Elementary School’s Career Day.
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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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