Scores of people gathered Friday in Wailuku to support Hawaiʻi’s keiki, ‘ohana and early childhood educators and providers through the “Keiki Strong, ʻOhana Strong” movement.

Laksmi Abraham, County of Maui Director of Communications and Government Affairs, said the County of Maui backs early childhood care and education.

“Advocating for early childhood care and education is not just about the well-being of individual children — it is about the future prosperity and well-being of our society as a whole,” she said during a speech at the county’s Kalana O Maui building gathering in Wailuku. “By investing in our youngest citizens today, we can build a brighter, more equitable tomorrow for generations to come.”

Abraham offered mahalo to Hawai’i Children’s Action Network, Imua Family Services, Maui Family Support Services, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center, Hoʻokipa Partners and others who are advancing early childhood care and education work to create a better future for Maui and Hawai’i.