Aloha,
May was an eventful and exciting month. We shared updates on Akamai Arrival, Hawai‘i’s new digital agriculture form, and wrapped up the 26th Annual State Employees’ Food Drive for the Hawai‘i Foodbank in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu.
We also celebrated the first graduates of Chaminade University’s Mu‘o Scholarship, visited more Ready Keiki classrooms, and recognized two middle schools for their participation in the Digital Detectives program.
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Sylvia Luke
Lieutenant Governor
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Digital Detectives Help Map
Hawaiʻi's Internet Speeds
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A big mahalo to the thousands of Hawaiʻi residents who took part in our Digital Detectives campaign last fall!
As part of our Connect Kākou initiative, we asked residents across the state to complete a quick internet speed test to help pinpoint where broadband improvements are most needed.
A special shoutout to the many middle school students who joined the effort. I had the chance to visit Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School and Kona Pacific Charter School, whose students earned top honors as our Digital Detectives Super Sleuths. Their energy and engagement are powerful reminders of what’s possible when we invite young people to take part in shaping their communities.
Reliable internet isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for education, careers, and everyday life. With Connect Kākou, we’re working to ensure everyone in Hawai‘i has access to fast, dependable internet and the tools to use it confidently. Closing the digital divide takes all of us together.
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Kona Pacific Charter School
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Apostille and Certification Services
Now in 12 Languages
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The Apostille and Certification application administered by my office is now available in 12 languages! As one of the most linguistically diverse states in the nation, it’s essential that our government services reflect the needs of all our communities. With approximately 9,000 applications processed annually, this expansion represents a significant step forward in promoting equitable language access across Hawaiʻi.
The translated application is now available in:
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Expanding Akamai Arrival: Hawaiʻi’s Digital Agriculture Form Shows Strong Results
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This month, we announced our continued work to expand Akamai Arrival, Hawaiʻi’s new digital agriculture form. During its initial three-month pilot phase, the program saw great success, achieving a 74% compliance rate with the mandatory Plants and Animals Declaration, up from 60% under the previous paper-only system.
This digital form is a major step forward in our efforts to modernize government services, protect local agriculture, and improve the travel experience for both residents and visitors. Based on the pilot’s success, we announced that the state, in collaboration with airline partners and key stakeholders, will expand Akamai Arrival to additional flights throughout the rest of the year.
Akamai Arrival reflects our state’s commitment to using technology wisely to protect our home, serve our people, and build a more resilient Hawaiʻi.
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Celebrating Our First
Mu‘o Scholarship Graduates
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I had the pleasure of meeting some of Chaminade University’s first Mu‘o Scholarship graduates.
Launched in 2023 to address Hawaiʻi’s teacher shortage, the Mu‘o Scholarship covers full tuition for students pursuing teaching degrees in early childhood education here at home. As we work toward universal access to pre-K, investing in dedicated educators is more important than ever.
Congratulations to Jordan-Reid, Karilyn, and Katie—the first to earn early childhood education degrees fully funded by the scholarship.
Mahalo to Chaminade University and Kamehameha Schools Kaiāulu for helping prepare the next generation of teachers for Hawaiʻi’s keiki.
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Nourishing Our ʻOhana One Meal at a Time
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Mahalo to everyone who supported the 26th Annual State Employees’ Food Drive in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we successfully raised vital support and awareness for Hawaiʻi Foodbank. These resources will directly support local families and individuals facing hunger across our islands.
We closed out this year’s Food Drive with a convoy fleet of City vehicles that delivered truckload of donations to the Hawaiʻi Foodbank warehouse.
Although the State Employees’ Food Drive concluded this month, our commitment to ending food insecurity doesn’t stop here. The need remains year-round, and so does our support for Hawaiʻi Foodbank and the vital work they do. Together, we can help to nourish our ʻohana, one meal at a time.
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From Classroom to Community:
Supporting Our Keiki Statewide
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Hahaʻione Elementary School
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Solomon Elementary School
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This month, we had the privilege of visiting more Ready Keiki classrooms alongside area legislators, including those at Paʻauilo Elementary, Hahaʻione Elementary, Waiʻanae Elementary, and Hoʻokena Elementary.
With each visit, we’re reminded of the incredible dedication of our teachers, the strength of our communities, and the vital contributions of our Ready Keiki partners. We remain committed to providing universal access to high-quality early learning for all keiki in Hawaiʻi—ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
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Paʻauilo Elementary School
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Waiʻanae Elementary School
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Hoʻokena Elementary School
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Capitol Visitors Spotlight
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Meeting with the Governor of Yamagata.
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Welcoming the Valley Isle Community Federal Credit Union to the Capitol.
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Meeting with the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE).
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Meeting with the Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention participants.
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Welcoming the Ilocos Norte National High School during their visit to Hawaiʻi.
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Attending the Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association’s Annual Meeting.
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Celebrating Filipino heritage at the Filipino Community Center Fiesta.
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Congratulating student athletes at the inaugural HHSAA Girls Flag Football Championships.
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Speaking at the Hawaiʻi Women Lawyer’s Power Panel.
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UH students showcasing their Molokaʻi Broadband Presentation.
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Visiting the Molokaʻi Educational Resource Fair and informing individuals of the services they have access to in our state.
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Attending the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Pacific Southwest Region’s annual conference.
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Celebrating Alvah Scott Elementary’s EOEL Pre-K Graduation.
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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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