Commit to Keiki - February 2025 Newsletter

Commit to Keiki has been actively tracking the following bills that align with our three priorities – child care and early learning, family violence prevention, and early childhood mental health. Here are the latest updates:

Peer Support Programs (HB237/SB824): 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.

HB237 HD1 was passed out of the House Committee on Finance on February 21. It will go to the House floor for Third Reading before crossing over to the Senate.
SB824 did not receive a hearing in the Senate.

Family-Child Interaction Learning Programs (HB249): Appropriates funds for the Executive Office on Early Learning to contract with third-party providers of family-child interaction learning programs with infant and early childhood mental health integrated.

HB249 HD1 passed Second Reading on February 10. It is awaiting a final hearing in the House Committee on Finance.

Child Care Worker Subsidy and Bonus Program (HB238): Requires the Department of Human Services to establish and implement a Child Care Provider Subsidy and Bonus Program to provide subsidies to retain the existing child care workforce in licensed infant and toddler child care centers, group child care centers, and group child care homes and bonuses to registered family child care homes.

HB238 HD1 passed Second Reading on February 5. It is awaiting a final hearing in the House Committee on Finance.

Early Intervention Services Pay Parity (HB880/SB823): Requires the Department of Human Resources Development to reclassify certain early intervention specialist positions within the Early Intervention Services Unit in the Department of Health. Additionally, appropriates funds for the establishment of two mental health specialist positions.

HD880 HD2 passed with amendments out of the House Committee on Finance on February 24.
SB823 did not receive a hearing in the Senate.

Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program (HB549/SB426): 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.4

HB549 HD2 passed with amendments out of the House Committee on Finance on February 26.
SB426 was deferred in the Senate due to the fact that the House version was moving smoothly through the legislative process.

The document below outlines Commit to Keiki’s priorities for the 2025 legislative session. Click here to download and share.

DID YOU KNOW?

90% of O‘ahu voters and 95% of Hawai‘i Island voters believe that early childhood mental health programs should be a priority for elected leaders.

Mental health support from an early age helps prevent long-term issues like homelessness, substance abuse, and incarceration. Prioritizing early intervention can change lives and strengthen communities.

Click here to read Commit to Keiki’s 2024 polling results.

Commit to Keiki’s Commitment to Federal Policy Monitoring

Last month, we shared Commit to Keiki’s approach to tracking potential federal policy changes and ensuring that any shifts affecting Hawai‘i’s keiki and their families are carefully assessed. We remain committed to monitoring both federal and state-level decisions, evaluating their potential impact, and providing timely updates to all of you.

One challenge emerging from recent federal policy shifts is the availability of key data sources. The Hawai‘i Data Collaborative has been tracking the rescinding and purging of multiple federal datasets covering health, the economy, and climate. As federal agencies interpret and implement new executive orders, it remains unclear which datasets will be restored and when. This uncertainty could impact research, policy decisions, and funding for critical programs.

To help navigate these changes, the Hawai‘i Data Collaborative has compiled a list of resources for those seeking federal data that may no longer be readily available.

At the state level, Commit to Keiki will continue advocating for key legislation that supports young keiki and families while continuing to advocate for permanent early childhood infrastructure at the County levels. Mahalo for your continued support—we will keep you informed as new developments emerge.

SAVE THE DATE

22nd Annual Hawai‘i International Summit

The 22nd Annual Hawai‘i International Summit on Preventing, Assessing & Treating Trauma Across the Lifespan brings together experts to address violence, abuse, and trauma through prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Affiliated Trainings: April 6–10, 2025

Summit: April 7-10, 2025

Location: Honolulu Convention Center

Attendees can earn continuing education credits and connect with professionals across disciplines. Click here to register.

Early Childhood Action Strategy Welcomes Jared Ellis as Policy Lead

DID YOU KNOW?

Commit to Keiki’s Commitment to Federal Policy Monitoring

SAVE THE DATE