December 2025 Newsletter

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Aloha,

Happy holidays! I hope everyone is enjoying this special time together as we get ready to welcome the new year. This month, I joined the Department of Transportation in announcing a reminder to travelers of Akamai Arrival, the fully digital agriculture form now on all domestic flights to Hawaiʻi.

With the year coming to an end, it's a time for us to look back at the progress we’ve made with our main priorities, Ready Keiki and Connect Kākou, and our statutory duties.

Please stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and my Website for the latest updates. Your thoughts, feedback, and ideas are always welcome.

Mahalo and Happy Holidays!

Sylvia Luke
Lieutenant Governor

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and a man smiling while outside in front of a brightly lit Christmas tree.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and group smiling outdoors while holding two dogs.

Hawaiʻi’s Agriculture Form Goes Fully Digital for Domestic Travelers

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and group smiling for a group photo at an airport terminal.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke standing at a podium at an airport terminal.

As holiday travel picks up, we're reminding travelers that Hawaiʻi’s agriculture form is now fully digital on all domestic flights to Hawaiʻi. Many of our residents may be seeing this digital version for the first time. Through Akamai Arrival, the state is making the process easier and more efficient — allowing travelers to complete the form on their phone while in-flight or up to five days before departure.

A big mahalo to the Department of Transportation for continuing to improve the travel experience statewide. From mobile airport apps and airport parking availability trackers to TSA wait time screens and family lanes, these improvements are helping travelers move through our airports with ease. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) has also opened a new eatery for travelers, Waialua Bar & Café.

Our airports are often the first and last touchpoints of our state, and these enhancements show residents and visitors alike that we want their time in Hawaiʻi to be seamless and enjoyable.

AKAMAI ARRIVAL

AIRPORTS

Ready Keiki 2025:
A Year of Progress for Hawaiʻi’s Keiki

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, legislator, education leaders, and pre-k students sitting in a Ready Keiki classroom.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, legislator, and education leaders, smiling for a group photo in a Ready Keiki classroom.

100th Public Pre-K classroom at

Maunawili Elementary

First charter pre-K classroom at Waiʻalae Elementary Public Charter School

In 2025, I was incredibly inspired by the progress we’ve made with the Ready Keiki initiative with our many early learning partners.

Between 25 new public pre-K classrooms and continued efforts to expand the Public Charter Pre-K Program, the state added a total of 779 new pre-K seats for keiki statewide. These new classrooms included:

The state’s 100th Public Pre-K classroom at Maunawili Elementary, with public preschool now being available at half of all HIDOE elementary schools statewide

Two new Hawaiian Language Public Pre-K classrooms at Hāna Elementary and Hauʻula Elementary

Ready Keiki’s first charter pre-K classroom at Waiʻalae Elementary Public Charter School

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and legislator smiling while handing out blue and grey lunchboxes to pre-k students in a Ready Keiki classroom.

Hāna Elementary

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke with legislator, teachers, and pre–k students smiling and holding up shakas in a Ready Keiki preschool classroom in North Shore, Oahu.

Hauʻula Elementary

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and group smiling for a group photo in a library.

Act 203 bill signing and new administrative rules

We also made historic expansions of Preschool Open Doors, the state’s monthly tuition subsidy. While serving as Acting Governor, I signed Act 203 and new administrative rules making it easier for families to access affordable child care and early learning. In FY25-26, POD served more than 3,400 keiki.

We’ve also made strides toward supporting the future workforce with more than 300 scholarships and stipends being awarded to support future early childhood educators. In May, Chaminade University celebrated the first Muʻo scholars graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

I’m excited to continue working toward expanding access to preschool to ensure that every keiki, now and for generations to come, has the opportunities to succeed.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke smiling for a group photo with graduates dressed in caps and gowns while holding certificates.

Chaminade University's first Muʻo scholars

LEARN MORE

Connecting Hawaiʻi:
Key Connect Kākou Milestones in 2025

Computer screen with homepage of apostille online application.

Digital Navigator Program launch

Connect Kākou, the state’s broadband initiative, has also made significant progress in 2025. This year, we:

Launched the Digital Navigator Program, where 20 skilled Digital Navigators are providing residents with one-on-one technology and internet assistance at all operating state libraries, including the Library for the Deaf and Blind

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and group smiling for a group photo in front of a banner.

Expanded fiber infrastructure at public housing communities, bringing reliable, high-speed connectivity to more than 45,000 residents through a partnership with Hawaiian Telcom and the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority

HPHA and Hawaiian Telcom broadband expansion

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke sitting at a large desk while holding a pen as a group of students and state leaders stand behind her.

Digital Aloha Month launch

Achieved more than 55,000 social media impressions through Digital Aloha Month in September, promoting online safety, digital well-being, and responsible technology use, and educated residents on staying ‘SAFE’ from online scams—a reminder to Stop, Ask someone you trust, Fact-check, and Exit if unsure

These exciting milestones reflect our shared commitment to building a more connected Hawaiʻi, and we’re excited to continue this work to ensure every resident has the opportunity to thrive in today’s digital world.

LEARN MORE

Modernizing Apostille and Certification Services

In addition to the launch of my office’s new Apostille and Certification Online Portal last month, we have also added a new apostille kiosk in our front office, allowing members of the public to fill out their online application right in our office and get assistance if needed.

Our office also issued the 10,000th apostille of the year — a first in office history. Mahalo to our Public Services team for their dedication to improving our services this year. Our office is committed to continue looking for ways to make services easier, faster, and more convenient for everyone.

Session Laws Publication Update

2025 Session Laws are now available for purchase.

Please contact (808) 586-0255 or visit our website to place an order.

Heroes and Helpers: Bringing Joy to Keiki
This Holiday Season

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke smiling while giving a high-five to a little girl.

This holiday season, my husband Mike and I had the chance to join Heroes and Helpers, an annual event where keiki are nominated by their public schools to shop for Christmas presents with first responders.

We spent the morning with Haven, a special young lady who had such a big heart. Her first stops were the home section for towels and a bathmat for her mom, and toys for her siblings — all before choosing anything for herself. We were so moved by her kindness and selflessness.

Mahalo to Heroes and Helpers, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, the first responders, and all the volunteers for making this meaningful tradition possible and for showing the true aloha of our community.