This legislation seeks to amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes by introducing a new chapter specifically addressing the establishment of child care centers for state employees. By doing so, it responds to the significant gap between the number of children in need of care and the available slots—an estimated 66,262 children require care while only 35,662 spots are currently provided. It aims to alleviate financial burdens on families, potentially allowing more parents to enter or remain in the workforce.
Senate Bill 56 establishes a Child Care Center Pilot Program aimed at addressing the growing need for affordable child care among state employees in Hawaii. The bill highlights the pressing issue of high child care costs in the state, where center-based infant care averages $22,585 annually—surpassing in-state tuition rates for college. The program will include two child care centers, one located near the state capitol and the other in Kapolei, to enhance accessibility for state workers.
Senate Bill 56 represents a proactive step toward improving child care options for state employees in Hawaii, reflecting the need for state intervention in addressing child care affordability. The success of this pilot program may influence future legislative measures aimed at expanding child care resources throughout the state, emphasizing the importance of balancing affordability with operational sustainability.
While the bill is generally supported for its focus on child care accessibility, concerns may arise regarding funding and operational logistics. The proposed initial funding for the program is set at $500,000 for the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. Additionally, the bill permits the establishment of fees for child care services, which could limit access if the fees become prohibitively high, thereby potentially contradicting the bill's purpose of providing affordable care.