At the end of March, we focused on supporting recovery efforts for residents impacted by the storms that brought devastating flooding across our islands. We saw aloha on full display as our communities came together to support those affected.
During the month, we also announced the 27th Annual State Employees’ Food Drive in partnership with Hawaiʻi Foodbank, continued visiting Ready Keiki classrooms across Oʻahu, and celebrated Women’s History Month by honoring Mary Kawena Pukui and her lasting contributions to the preservation of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and Hawaiian culture.
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Sylvia Luke
Lieutenant Governor
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Supporting Our Communities During
Flood Recovery
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Nanakuli Community Food Distribution
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Community Assistance Center at Waialua District Park
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As a result of the consecutive Kona Low storms that impacted our state, many residents and communities experienced devastating flooding and damage. Among those affected are our local farmers. I had the opportunity to meet with several of them and see firsthand the destruction at their farms in Waialua.
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It was truly inspiring to see the outpouring of support from the community at the Nanakuli Community Food Distribution and the Community Assistance Center at Waialua District Park. Mahalo to the countless community members, organizations, and first responders for their continued recovery efforts and for working tirelessly to keep everyone safe.
This display of community and aloha reflects the strength and compassion of our people—coming together without hesitation and doing whatever they can to support those in need.
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Hawaiʻi Foodbank’s 27th Annual State Employees’ Food Drive Launch
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March marks the launch of the 27th Annual State Employees’ Food Drive! I joined Hawaiʻi Foodbank, University of Hawaiʻi, and union leaders to kick-off this year’s drive, which runs from March 4 through May 8. Together, we are working toward a shared goal of providing 400,000 meals to Hawaiʻi residents facing food insecurity.
We also announced a new payroll deduction plan for public employees to donate directly to Hawaiʻi Foodbank. Mahalo to the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) and Hawaiʻi Foodbank for working with my office to make this system possible, allowing a seamless way for state employees to help feed families across our state.
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Here in Hawaiʻi, too many families—including more than 80,000 keiki—struggle with food insecurity, making the compassion of our state employees and community partners more important than ever. With state employees being the Foodbank’s largest coalition, this annual drive plays an important role in expanding access to healthy, nutritious food statewide, and every donation helps strengthen families and communities across our islands.
Anyone can support the Hawaiʻi Foodbank anytime by making a donation online or dropping off nonperishable items at designated collection sites across the state.
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Ready Keiki Classroom Visits Across Oʻahu
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Hahaʻione Elementary School
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This month, we had the privilege of visiting more Ready Keiki classrooms alongside area legislators, including those at Lunalilo Elementary, Hahaʻione Elementary, and Kahala Elementary.
Each visit continues to inspire us—highlighting the passion of our educators, the resilience of our communities, and the meaningful impact of our Ready Keiki partners. We are committed to our goal of expanding access to high-quality early learning across Hawaiʻi, so that every keiki has the support they need to grow, learn, and succeed.
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Lunalilo Elementary School
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Mary Kawena Pukui: Honoring Legacy Through ʻŌlelo Hawaii and Culture
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With last month marking Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and this month celebrating Women’s History Month, I had the opportunity to connect with my friend Pelehonuamea Harman—Director of Native Hawaiian Engagement at UH Hilo and great-granddaughter of the late Mary Kawena Pukui.
A renowned Hawaiian scholar, author, hula practitioner, and educator, Mary Kawena Pukui’s legacy is foundational to the preservation and perpetuation of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and Hawaiian culture.
Through hula as a living expression of ʻike and storytelling, she helped carry forward traditions that continue to shape cultural practice today. Guided by her belief that “knowledge is life,” she produced 52 influential works on Hawaiian language and culture.
Check out this reel to learn more about Mary Kawena Pukui’s legacy. Mahalo to Pele for sharing reflections about her great-grandmother's life and legacy.
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Applications Due Soon: Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s High School Internship Program
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The Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s High School Internship Program is approaching! If you—or someone you know—are interested in gaining hands-on experience and an up-close look at how Hawaiʻi’s government works, you can spend the summer right here at the State Capitol.
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Don’t miss your chance to apply!
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Applications due by April 15, 2026
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Capitol Visitors Spotlight
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Welcoming China Deputy Consul General Huang to the State Capitol during his trip to Hawaiʻi.
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Meeting with Gen.G E-Sports.
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Welcoming the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to my office.
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Welcoming Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaiʻi Student Advocates from Kauaʻi HS & Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle.
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Meeting with Planned Parenthood.
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Welcoming HIDOE Educators of the Year to the State Capitol.
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Meeting with the Coalition for Immigrant Justice.
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Speaking at the Institute on Violence, Abuse & Trauma (IVAT) 23rd Annual International Summit.
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Trying the different pupus made by Maui’s keiki at Little Chef Big Chef.
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Attending Kapiolani Seafood’s grand opening of their new location.
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Recognizing HIDOE employees at the Department of Education’s 2025 Employee, Manager, and Team of the Year Awards.
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Speaking at the Hawaii Corporate Security Symposium.
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Attending the Military Affairs Council Meeting.
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Attending the Gunglo dagiti Mannurat nga Ilokano iti (GUMIL) Hawaiʻi Coronation.
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Celebrating the grand opening of Blood Bank of Hawaii’s new headquarters in Kapolei.
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Celebrating Read to Me International Day at the Hawaiʻi State Library.
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Speaking at Honolulu Freight Service’s grand opening of their headquarters.
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Congratulating Kawananakoa Middle School’s Vice Principal Lee for being named Hawaiʻi’s 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year.
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Speaking at the 3rd Annual Middle Level Student Leadership Summit.
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Walking around to see the businesses at Sector Partnership Day at the Capitol.
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Walking around the Capitol for the National Consumer Protection Week Fair.
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Attending the Papakōlea ʻOhana Health Fair.
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Attending Mass Timber Learning 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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.png "Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and man holding open a red box while smiling for a photo in front of the Hawaiʻi State Seal.")
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