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Throughout the 2025 legislative session, Commit to Keiki will be actively tracking bills that align with our three (3) priorities – child care and early learning, family violence prevention, and early childhood mental health.
As this year comes to a close, we want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has joined us in advocating for Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki and their families. Your commitment has helped to strengthen communities, empower families, and has laid the groundwork for a brighter future for the next generation.
This holiday season, may you find peace, joy, and special moments with your loved ones. We look forward to continuing this important work together in 2025.
Mahalo for your unwavering support.
Commit to Keiki’s Maui Recovery Spotlight Series highlights local organizations and nonprofits dedicated to supporting Maui’s youngest keiki and their families affected by the devastating wildfires last year. This month, we’re showcasing the collaborative efforts of Keiki O Ka ‘Āina and A‘ali‘i Alliance, who have come together to present ‘Ohana Days—four community gatherings in West Maui that offered culturally-based early learning and family engagement activities for families with children under five years old.
On October 14, 2024, Commit to Keiki hosted two Hawaiʻi Island Mayoral Candidate Forums with incumbent Mayor Mitch Roth and Dr. Kimo Alameda. The forums provided an opportunity to understand their individual approaches to early childhood development and their plans to support the well-being of our youngest keiki and their families, if elected.
On August 28, 2024, Commit to Keiki hosted its 2nd Annual Partnership Breakfast with Governor Josh Green M.D. and First Lady Jaime Kanani Green. Alongside U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda, Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami, representatives from the City and County of Honolulu, Maui County and Hawaiʻi County, and the Commit to Keiki Steering Committee, the breakfast provided an opportunity for state and local leaders to discuss strategies to improve outcomes for Hawaiʻi’s youngest keiki and families.
The West Maui Early Childhood Collective, a group formed in response to the Lahaina wildfires, has helped to reopen three early childcare centers/classrooms at Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School in Lahaina. The centers, which include the Maui Family Support Services (MFSS) Early Head Start program, Kamaʻāina Kids infant and toddler program, and the ʻAha Pūnana Leo preschool program, were officially blessed on July 29, 2024 and are now open for families with young keiki in Lahaina.
Commit to Keiki’s Maui Recovery Spotlight Series highlights local organizations and nonprofits that have been working to ensure that Maui’s youngest keiki and their families receive the support and resources they need in the wake of the devastating wildfires.
Keiki O Ka ʻĀina Family Learning Centers | Q&A with Me’ja Kaniho, Program Director, Keiki O Ka ʻĀina He Lei Piko Home Visiting Programs
We are pleased to unveil Commit to Keiki newest graphic, a visual representation of our three critical priorities: child care and early learning, early childhood mental health, and family violence prevention.
Maui Recovery Spotlight – Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO), Early Childhood Services. Q&A with Debbi Amaral, Director of Early Childhood Services
It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.