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As we look forward to a new year filled with exciting opportunities, it is also important to take stock of the opportunities that were missed and how we can learn from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nOmicron\u2019s surge has raised questions about whether Covid\u2019s latest wave will be its last or just part of the \u201cnew normal.\u201d Activities like spending time with family and enjoying the simple pleasures of walking on the beach or sharing a meal take on greater significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Covid-19 has left an indelible mark in Hawaii. More than 200,000 people have contracted coronavirus and, sadly, more than 1,200 have succumbed to the virus. It has impacted families across the islands and all businesses in immeasurable ways, from both a workforce and economic perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Covid\u2019s reach into all sectors of the state has also highlighted a tremendous weakness in our safety net, specifically as it relates to our keiki and ohana \u2014 in particular a lack of quality, affordable child care and inadequate resources to address both an increase in family violence and mental health needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To address this shortcoming, business leaders have joined forces with education, family support, philanthropic and mental health leaders to launch Commit to Keiki. This effort, directed at the gubernatorial campaigns now underway, seeks to underscore the importance of greater investments in early learning, child care, family violence prevention and mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The public education campaign focuses on gubernatorial candidates and the importance of making early learning and child care more accessible, affordable and of higher quality. At the same time, Commit to Keiki will underscore the importance of investing in family violence prevention and mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Covid exposed the fact that the lack of adequate investment in Hawaii\u2019s keiki and ohana is not sustainable and hurts our children and families now and in the long-term. As parents get back to work, our keiki deserve priority attention, better education, greater funding and improved services to help them succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Building Blocks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In a recently completed statewide survey, 74.5% of voters agreed that Hawaii\u2019s next governor must invest more to create a system of high-quality, publicly funded, community-based child care, early learning and family support programs. Given that Hawaii ranks 43rd of 50 states, seventh from the bottom in its investments in children, it\u2019s no surprise voters feel so strongly about their support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Considerable research demonstrates the importance and the positive impact of early learning and family support programs, especially in the first five years of life \u2014 when a child\u2019s brain absorbs knowledge and develops at its fastest rate. These programs represent building blocks for a better future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to recent data, Hawaii today can serve only about 25% of keiki ages birth to 5 in child care, which also impacts parents and caregivers\u2019 ability to work. In addition, this research highlights that young children who are exposed to family violence are more likely to suffer from health-related problems, as well as academic and cognitive problems, delinquency, and involvement in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Covid-19 has left an indelible mark in Hawaii.”<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The Commit to Keiki campaign intends to change this dynamic by working with all gubernatorial candidates and, ultimately, the state\u2019s next governor to address the needs of our youngest keiki. The challenge is great and solving it won\u2019t be easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of Hawaii will benefit from investments in programs that help young keiki and their families. It\u2019s an important and necessary effort to ensure parents have the ability to get back to work and make a living, and our keiki get the attention and programs they need to grow, develop and thrive while improving the wellbeing of our state\u2019s diverse communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anything less is unacceptable for Hawaii\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Editor\u2019s note: The authors are members of the Commit to Keiki steering committee, a non-partisan education initiative created by partners within the Early Childhood Action Strategy<\/a> collaborative. Visit www.CommitToKeiki.org<\/a> for more information.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Community Voices aims to encourage broad discussion on many topics of community interest. It\u2019s kind of a cross between Letters to the Editor and op-eds. This is your space to talk about important issues or interesting people who are making a difference in our world. Column lengths should be no more than 800 words and we need a photo of the author and a bio. We welcome video commentary and other multimedia formats. Send to news@civilbeat.org<\/a>. The opinions and information expressed in Community Voices are solely those of the authors and not Civil Beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAbout the Authors<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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