Supporting Hawai‘i’s Youngest Keiki through

Culture and Compassion

Over the past several weeks, Commit to Keiki’s Living808 series on KHON has continued to highlight local stories and solutions that are helping Hawai‘i’s youngest children and their families thrive. In April, we featured two powerful segments that showcased what meaningful family support can look like, from early learning rooted in Native Hawaiian values to community-led approaches that prevent family violence and promote healing.

April 7 – Hawaiian Culture-Based Family-Child Interactive Learning (FCIL) Programs

We visited Partners in Development Foundation to learn how Hawaiian culture-based FCIL programs are uplifting families through an intergenerational approach that prepares keiki for school, strengthens caregiver relationships, and keeps cultural identity alive. These programs are essential in building confident, connected learners.

April 22 – Family Violence Prevention

As part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, this segment focused on the importance of safe and supportive family relationships We heard from leaders at Parents and Children Together (PACT) and Aloha at Home about how their programs help prevent harm, promote healing, and empower families with tools rooted in compassion and community.

We’re grateful to the families and community leaders who shared their powerful stories and expertise, helping us highlight real solutions that are making a difference for Hawai‘i’s youngest children. Stay connected with Commit to Keiki as we continue to highlight efforts that support Hawai‘i’s keiki and strengthen the systems that care for them.

DID YOU KNOW?

91% of O‘ahu voters and 93% of Hawai‘i Island voters believe that keiki-focused state programs—such as early childhood education, mental health services, and family violence prevention—are important and should be prioritized by elected leaders.

A strong majority across both islands recognize the need to invest in early childhood programs that set the foundation for lifelong success.

Click here to read Commit to Keiki’s 2024 polling results. Polling will take place on Kaua‘i and Maui in early 2026.

Child Abuse Prevention Month Spotlights the Urgent

Need to Protect Hawai‘i’s Keiki

April is recognized nationwide as Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to elevate awareness and action around the safety and well-being of our keiki. In Hawai‘i, that call is especially urgent.

Too many young children across the state are exposed to violence in their earliest years. Nearly 600 children under age five are confirmed victims of abuse or neglect in Hawai‘i each year, and more than 50% of those victims are infants. And in over 90% of cases, the harm happens at home, often at the hands of a parent or caregiver. These are just the confirmed reports. Experts estimate the real number of cases could be up to five times higher.

The impacts are lifelong. Chronic exposure to violence and toxic stress in early childhood affects brain development, emotional regulation, and behavior. These early traumas can lead to difficulties in school, strained relationships, and greater risks of substance use, depression, and long-term health issues. The effects ripple outward, too, with an estimated $2.6 billion annual cost to Hawai‘i in healthcare, education, and lost productivity.

Family Violence Prevention is one of Commit to Keiki’s core pillars because the best way to protect keiki is to support families early, before harm occurs. That includes reducing economic stress, ensuring access to culturally grounded services, and building systems of care that help parents, caregivers, and communities provide safe, nurturing environments for their children.

Family violence is not inevitable. It is preventable. Creating safer futures for our keiki begins with early investment, strong family support systems, and a long-term commitment to prevention.

As Child Abuse Prevention Month comes to a close, we are reminded that the safety and well-being of Hawai‘i’s youngest children must remain a top priority. It is essential that our state and county leaders continue to prioritize and invest in prevention by supporting policies and programs that strengthen families, reduce risk, and build a healthier foundation for the next generation. With shared commitment, we can ensure every keiki has the opportunity to grow up safe, supported, and ready to thrive.

Hawai‘i Children’s Trust Fund Coalition Meeting

The Hawai‘i Children’s Trust Fund Coalition will host its next statewide meeting on Maui, bringing together community members, advocates, and service providers focused on strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect.

Date: May 9, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: Maui Economic Opportunity, Classroom 1

99 Mahalani Street, Wailuku, HI 96793

Click here to register.

As the 2025 legislative session enters its final days, Commit to Keiki is grateful for the collective efforts of advocates, partners, and lawmakers working to advance policies that support Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki and their families.

Here’s the current status of Commit to Keiki’s priority bills that have advanced through the 2025 legislative session:

Peer Support Programs (HB237): Appropriates funds for the Family Health Services Division of the Department of Health to establish and oversee peer-to-peer support programs, with infant and early childhood mental health integrated, for children from birth to age five and their families.

STATUS: The measure passed out of conference committee and is headed for final vote.

Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program (HB549): Establishes an Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program to be administered by the University of Hawaii to provide financial support for early learning program service providers in the State to participate in state- or federally-approved early learning apprenticeship programs.

STATUS: The measure was deferred in conference committee.

Mahalo for staying engaged and advocating for policies that support Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki and their families.