MAUI RECOVERY SPOTLIGHT

Three Early Learning Classrooms Reopen in Lahaina

Keaka Mitchell (left) joined by Mayor Richard Bissen and the West Maui Early Childhood Collective

West Maui Early Childhood Collective

Q&A with Keaka Mitchell
Early Childhood Wildfire Recovery Coordinator in West Maui,
Early Childhood Action Strategy (ECAS)

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.

Q: What is the West Maui Early Childhood Collective?

A: The West Maui Early Childhood Collective was established to address the critical need for early childhood services following the devastating Lahaina wildfires in August 2023. These fires destroyed several early childhood centers and severely disrupted childcare services across the community. Notably, the fires completely destroyed properties where ʻAha Pūnana Leo, MFSS Early Head Start and Kama’āina Kids were located, resulting in the loss of more than 60 licensed child care seats. Additionally, other affected facilities included Sacred Hearts, Holy Innocents, and Children of the Rainbow Nursery and Preschool, which had a significant number of children enrolled. The fires left many families and early childhood providers without the necessary resources to support their children, resulting in the loss of more than 250 childcare seats in total.

In response, the West Maui Early Childhood Collective was officially formed in October 2023 to restore and expand early childhood services. The Collective includes representatives from Maui County, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Hawaiʻi State Department of Education, and more, who have been working diligently to reopen facilities and support the community’s needs.

On July 29, 2024, the Collective celebrated a major milestone with a blessing event marking the opening of three new early learning programs, including the MFSS Early Head Start program, Kamaʻāina Kids infant and toddler program, and the ʻAha Pūnana Leo preschool program, all now located at Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School. The gathering emphasized the community’s resilience and the successful collaboration between the Collective and Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School to support West Maui families as they rebuild.

Q: Explain the partnership with Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School. What does this mean for West Maui families?

A: Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School has generously opened its campus to host multiple early learning programs. This partnership means that West Maui families now have access to much-needed childcare and early childhood programs—all in a central location. This collaboration helps meet the urgent childcare needs of families affected by the fires and supports the overall recovery of the community.

This milestone was achieved through the combined efforts of several organizations:

  • Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School: Offered classroom space and logistical support.
  • County, State, Federal and Nonprofit Agencies: Facilitated permits, including the Certificate of Occupancy and Licensure.
  • Hawai‘i Community Foundation and Castle Foundation: Provided financial support.

Q: How many students will these programs serve? Where do families go to apply?

A: These programs will serve approximately 56 students. Families interested in applying should contact the individual programs directly:

Q: Keaka, what does this milestone mean to you?

A: For me, the reopening of these early childhood centers is deeply meaningful on a personal level and signifies a crucial step towards rebuilding not just physical structures, but also the fabric of our community. Having been a Lahaina resident for 24 years, I know many who lost their homes. I walked through every shelter and hotel during the disaster phase, seeing firsthand the impact on my friends and neighbors. The efforts to restore early childhood services are a testament to the community’s resilience and the collective determination to support each other in this recovery. Personally, it gives me strength and motivation to continue supporting my community in any way I can. Seeing these new facilities open and knowing that they provide a safe and nurturing environment for our keiki is incredibly rewarding and a reminder of the community’s strength and solidarity.

Aunty Makalapua Kanuha conducting a classroom blessing with First Lady of Maui County, Ms. Isabella Bissen