Behind every effort to support Hawai‘i’s keiki are champions leading the way. In this new series, we’re spotlighting one leader whose work is helping to strengthen the systems that care for our youngest keiki and their families. This month, we are honored to feature Kaʻiulani Laehā, CEO of ʻAha Pūnana Leo, and member of Commit to Keiki’s Steering Committee.

Q: What personal or professional experiences have most shaped your commitment to supporting young children and families in Hawai‘i?

A: I was born and raised here in Hawaiʻi (and am committed to staying here), and now, as a parent with two keiki, this kuleana feels personal in every way. I’ve spent my career working with communities that have sometimes been left out or underserved, so I’ve seen firsthand what happens when families are lifted up, supported, and truly valued. When our families have what they need, whether it’s access to quality care, culture, or just the basics of safety and belonging, our keiki grow up with confidence and hope. It’s obvious to most of us in Hawaiʻi that ʻohana is at the heart of everything, but too often, our systems and policies don’t match that value. That’s the shift I’m working for, to align our actions as a community with the values we all say are important.

Q: From your perspective, what does a strong, resilient early childhood system look like? What’s at stake if we fail to strengthen it?

A: A strong system, to me, is where every family knows they’re backed up by their community; where no child falls through the cracks, and where safety, care, and culture aren’t privileges, but expectations. It’s more than just funding or programs; it’s a shared understanding that all of us are responsible for raising our keiki. If we don’t get this right, the consequences are real. We risk losing generations of potential, repeating cycles of struggle, and not living up to the values we talk about as Hawaiʻi. Getting it right means a future where keiki are confident, connected, and ready to give back when itʻs their turn.

Q: Is there a project, program, or initiative you’ve been involved in —in the past — that you feel represents meaningful progress for young keiki and families? What was its focus, and what impact did it have?

A: Through ʻAha Pūnana Leo, I’ve seen families transform through Hawaiian language revitalization, often times multiple generations learning together. I’ve watched friendships and bonds form that last a lifetime, all rooted in culture and place. Those moments when you see a keiki and their parents light up as they reclaim their sense of being Hawaiian, or when families build real relationships around shared Hawaiian values, that’s what meaningful progress looks like to me. It’s definitely about the language, but it’s also about giving kids a stronger sense of who they are, which ripples out into everything they do.

Q: Is there a project, program, or initiative you’re currently supporting that you would like to highlight?

A: We’re still working hard at ʻAha Pūnana Leo to support our staff and teachers, because when they feel valued and empowered, our keiki benefit. It’s about creating spaces where kids are safe, loved, and connected to their identity and supporting the adults who make that possible. The outcome I care most about is seeing strong, healthy ʻohana and passionate, prepared staff, because they’re the foundation of everything we do.

Q: Where do you see the greatest opportunity to strengthen systems that serve Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki and their caregivers? 

A: The current child care business model just doesn’t add up. Families are asked to pay more than they can afford, but even that tuition rarely reaches the level needed to properly pay and support staff. Meanwhile, every keiki deserves access to quality care, no matter their family’s income. What we really need is a system where providers aren’t expected to cut corners, families aren’t stretched to the limit, and our caregivers are recognized as vital professionals.

It’s also essential that we continue to nurture private and community-based child care options. Programs like ʻAha Pūnana Leo and other private, non-profit centers offer niche, culturally-rooted, and innovative care that large systems simply can’t replace. Families should have real choices and opportunities to find the kind of environment, values, and teaching that fit their needs. Preserving and investing in these private child care options keeps our system diverse, responsive, and strong. If we can shift our public investments to back up these values, we’re not only making early care accessible but also protecting the quality and uniqueness that makes Hawaiʻi so special for our keiki and their ʻohana. Bottom line, caring for our keiki to the best of our ability should be at the top of our priorities.