New preschool plan passes another approval step, set to be built near 'Imiloa
A new preschool is under construction in Hilo, located near the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center. The preschool, designed to accommodate up to 80 children between the ages of 3 and 5, aims to address the growing demand for early education taught in the Hawaiian language.
The preschool is a collaborative effort between several entities, including the Hawaii School Facilities Authority, the University of Hawaii, the State Public Charter School Commission, Ke Kula'o Nawahiokalani'opu'u Laboratory Public Charter School, and Aha Punana Leo preschool. The project received a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on July 9, indicating environmental approval to proceed with construction.
The facility will consist of two classroom buildings, each housing four classrooms, and an administrative building. The outdoor learning environment will feature an exterior fence for security and an additional covered outdoor piko gathering place. The preschool will also include two buildings, with classrooms, and an administrative building that will also have a covered lanai.
The preschool aims to provide affordable child care to UH Hilo students, faculty, and the surrounding community. Each classroom will be supervised by one teacher and up to two teacher's assistants or family volunteers. Preference will be given to families who prioritize Hawaiian as the language of their home.
The construction contract is expected to be awarded no later than June 2026. The project will also add 12 new parking stalls and a new cul-de-sac for pick-ups and drop-offs.
The preschool's construction is part of a larger initiative, the Ready Keiki, which was introduced in 2023 with the aim to offer early education to all 3- and 4-year-olds statewide by 2032. The project will help alleviate the issue of 86% of families statewide lacking access to both convenient and affordable early education options.
Senator Lorraine Inouye announced in early 2025 the release of $10 million specifically for preschool expansion at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo 'Imiloa Campus, associated with this project. However, no specific completion date is mentioned in the available information at this time.
The preschool, in alignment with the Ready Keiki initiative, seeks to promote lifelong learning and education-and-self-development for the community's children. By providing affordable child care to UH Hilo students, faculty, and the wider community, it further encourages online-learning opportunities, fostering a supportive environment for both parents and students. This preschool, while under construction, exemplifies a collaboration between various entities, such as the university, school commission, and Aha Punana Leo preschool, emphasizing the importance of early education for the future generations.
