Shift Awareness, Narrative and Culture

O‘ahu and Hawaiʻi Island Voter Survey

Public opinion data collected as part of the Commit to Keiki effort demonstrates that public support for early childhood investments in Hawai‘i has increased over the past half-decade. High levels of public support for policies improving early childhood health, safety and early learning helped pave the way for unprecedented state investments in early childhood development and learning. Today, even larger numbers of voters in Hawai‘i prioritize the need for more support for children and families.

Some key findings from the 2024 poll:

• Over 90% of voters on Oʻahu and Hawai‘i believe early childhood programs should be a top priority for elected leaders.

• 77% of Hawai‘i Island voters and 60% of Oahu voters would support candidates who prioritize childcare in their City/County budget.

• Large majorities of voters consider family violence prevention, early childhood mental health, and childcare and early learning programs to be political priorities.

Surveying Families with Young Children

Many entities across the state are collecting data on the needs and wellbeing of families with young children. This focus on gathering meaningful and timely data on the status of families speaks to a growing recognition that family wellbeing is at the core of the overall wellbeing of Hawai‘i.

With support from the PDG (Preschool Development Grant) B-5 grant, each County has developed surveys that are now ready to distribute, including statewide & county-specific questions concerning early childhood care and education.

In turn, survey findings will inform PSA‘s that will be designed to be both County specific and aligned statewide.

Other data collection efforts include Vibrant Hawai‘i, the Chamber of Commerce, Kahmehameha Schools, InPeace, the Community Centered Partnerships, and the Early Childhood Continuum communities.