A Milestone for Peer Support, Momentum for More
Aloha,
On May 2, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature adjourned, bringing the 2025 legislative session to a close. The session unfolded amid significant uncertainty, shaped by questions around federal funding, the transition to a new Speaker of the House, and a wave of newly elected lawmakers making up half of the State House of Representatives. In this time of transition, Commit to Keiki remained steadfast in our mission: to ensure Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki (0-5 years old) and their families have a brighter start.
Guided by our Steering Committee, we advanced a focused legislative agenda centered on prevention, early intervention, and long-term impact. Of Commit to Keiki’s five priorities, we are excited to share that the expansion of Peer-to-Peer Support Programs with integrated infant and early childhood mental health passed with an $860,000 appropriation. This investment will provide high-touch, culturally responsive support to an estimated 400–600 families in our highest-need communities.
As always, we know that real, lasting change takes persistence and partnership. While not all of our priorities moved forward this session, we are encouraged by the momentum we’ve built and the foundation we have laid for future advocacy. You can find a summary of this year’s legislative outcomes below.
At the same time, we remain vigilant as the federal policy landscape continues to evolve. National shifts in priorities and funding approaches have the potential to significantly impact programs that serve Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki and their families. These broader dynamics reinforce the importance of staying engaged, informed, and unified in our efforts to ensure that early childhood remains a top priority in Hawaiʻi.
Mahalo to all of our stakeholders who submitted testimony, attended hearings, and helped advance Commit to Keiki’s mission throughout the session. Your support continues to make a meaningful difference.
Mahalo,
Kerrie Urosevich & Jared Ellis
