On The Blog

Our 2026 Policy Goals

The 2026 Legislative Session marks the 9th session for HawaiiKidsCAN. Our wins have included millions of dollars in funding to help students enter high-wage careers, the structure for better data-sharing by government agencies on behalf of kids, and fundamental supports for families around digital access and trauma-informed services. We’ve also had sessions where some of our favorite bills stalled out early.

Through it all, we’ve been powered by the support of incredible advocates in the community, from students to industry partners. As we dive into 2026, we have the most diverse policy portfolio yet, with three legislative, two Board of Education, and one implementation goal. Each goal is the product of countless hours of stakeholder conversations, research, and the opportunity to change outcomes for many kids.

Yesterday, the halls of the State Capitol were filled with a sense of purpose as Governor Josh Green delivered his 2026 State of the State address. We were proud to have our team member, Kekoa McClellan, on the floor representing HawaiiKidsCAN and our shared mission to advocate for every student in Hawaii.

Governor Green’s address, titled “A Vision for Hawaiʻi’s Future,” took a pragmatic, middle-of-the-road approach. He was candid about the financial headwinds we face, specifically the “shaky footing” of the federal government. With potential shutdowns and the uncertainty of federal dollars that typically fund core services—including the very salaries of state employees who provide our safety net—the Governor emphasized the need for Hawaii to be self-reliant and protective of our essential programs.

As we move into the heart of this session, we remain committed to ensuring that even in times of fiscal uncertainty, our kids’ education remains a top priority. Thank you in advance for being part of our journey this year!

Join Us

 

Blog →