Hawaiʻi spends less on children’s programs now than in 2005
A first-of-its-kind report analyzes how the state funds programs and services for keiki.
HONOLULU, Hawai‘i — Hawaiʻi has budgeted less on children this year than in 2005, according to a report released today that comprehensively analyzes, for the first time, how the state government has funded programs that support children’s well-being.
“Educating our children and ensuring they’re economically secure and healthy should be our top state budgetary priority,” said Beth Giesting, director emeritus of the Hawaiʻi Budget & Policy Center. “Yet we found that Hawaiʻi is now spending less per child than in 2005. Certain important programs, such as community youth programs, family cash assistance, and public health services, have declined by a very concerning amount.”
The “Hawaiʻi Children’s Budget,” was authored by Giesting and published by Hawaiʻi KIDS COUNT, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network (HCAN), Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice, and the Hawaiʻi Budget & Policy Center.
For the 2022 fiscal year, the state budgeted $10,562 per child, on average, which is a decrease of $417 since 2005, according to the report. The percent of the state’s budget spent on children has also dropped to 21 percent this year, from 25 percent in 2005. Moreover, the state has only spent 91 cents of every dollar that it budgeted for children’s programs over the past decade—a figure that’s been decreasing over time.
“This underinvestment is undermining our entire state’s capacity to thrive,” said Deborah Zysman, HCAN’s executive director. “Lawmakers may say children are a priority, but this report shows that the state’s actions haven’t lived up to those words. Fortunately, the legislature can change course this session and start truly prioritizing Hawaiʻi’s children.”
The report recommends that Hawaiʻi’s government increase investment in children by funding quality, universal early care and learning, ensuring families are economically secure, improving and making permanent the state Earned Income Tax Credit, and investing in programs to help at-risk youth.
The “Hawaiʻi Children’s Budget” analyzes the state’s budgets and spending on public education, economic and social supports, Med-QUEST, and public and mental health. Compared to other states, Hawai‘i’s spending on children’s health ranks 44th, and its spending on public education ranks 38th, according to the report.
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Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network (HCAN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the only one in the state of Hawaiʻi solely committed to advocating for children. We address the root causes of poverty and inequity and develop public policies that help children and their families. Our Mission: Build a unified voice educating and advocating for Hawaiʻi’s children. Our Vision: All of Hawaiʻi’s children are healthy, safe and ready to learn.
The Hawaiʻi Budget & Policy Center (HBPC) is a program of Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice. Our mission is to ensure that our state and local economic policies increase opportunity for all residents. We do this by analyzing and understanding the implications of tax and budget decisions and making sure that the public and policy-makers are informed through strategic communications, coalitions, and key partners. HBPC’s work is guided by the belief that government at all levels should play an active role in helping people reach their full potential.
Hawaiʻi Appleseed is working to build a more socially just Hawaiʻi, where everyone has genuine opportunities to achieve economic security and fulfill their potential. We change systems that perpetuate inequality and injustice through policy development, coalition building and advocacy.
