HONOLULU (KHON2) — Serving as Acting Governor, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke signed a major expansion of the state’s Preschool Open Doors (POD) tuition subsidy program into law on Tuesday, June 24.
Act 203 (House Bill 692) will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The law reduces barriers for accessing child care in Hawaii by expanding eligibility to include two-year-olds and removing accreditation requirements for child care providers.
“We know that far too many working families fall into the gap—they earn too much to qualify for help but still struggle to afford quality child care,” said Lt. Governor Luke. “For the first time, a family of four making about $180,000 can qualify for Preschool Open Doors.”
Lt. Governor Luke also updated administrative rules (HAR 17-799) that further expand access to POD and signed Act 204 and Act 205 into law.
Act 204 (House Bill 329) clarifies the responsibilities of the School Facilities Authority and Act 205 (Senate Bill 423) adds the president of the Head Start Association of Hawaiʻi to the state’s Early Learning Board.
The administrative rules take effect June 27. DHS will begin accepting applications for the next POD open enrollment period starting July 1.
What is POD?
POD is part of the state’s Ready Keiki initiative to achieve universal access to early learning by 2032. The initiative is led by Lt. Gov. Luke.
Qualifying low- to middle-income families receive monthly child care and preschool tuition subsidies administered through POD by the state’s Department of Human Services (DHS).
Previously, the POD program was updated in January 2024 to extend eligibility to three-year-olds, increase income thresholds and reduce co-pays. In July 2024, the program became more accessible when it moved to a year-round application with designated priority and open enrollment periods.
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The Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks! (HCAN Speaks!) testified in strong support of House Bill 692.
“This is a game-changer for families across the state,” said Deborah Zysman, HCAN Speaks! executive director. “Preschool Open Doors has long been a lifeline for many, but these changes mean that even more parents, especially those who have struggled to get help, can finally access the support they need.”
Expansion highlights
Act 203 (House Bill 692), effective Jan. 1, 2026
- Expands eligibility to 2-year-olds
- Co-payments can be made optional by DHS, allowing qualifying families to receive full tuition subsidies
- Removes the accreditation requirement for providers
- DHS can adopt year-round, first-come, first-served enrollment
Administrative Rules 17-799, effective July 1
- Raises income eligibility to 500% of the federal poverty level (for example, a family of four earning up to $184,896 is now eligible)
- Families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence will be granted presumptive eligibility, providing temporary support for up to two months while documentation is gathered
- Caps co-payments at 3% of income, or a maximum of $45 per month
Interested families may apply online HERE, or request an application from PATCH by visiting patchhawaii.org, calling (808) 791-2130 or toll-free at (800) 746-5620. PATCH can also help families find a preschool that meets their needs.