Expanding Preschool Spaces

Preschool is one of the most important investments we can make in a child’s future—laying the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and success. In partnership with state and county agencies, SFA is working to expand preschool facilities across the islands. Preschool also plays a vital role for working families by providing high-quality care that allows parents to pursue career opportunities while supporting Hawai‘i’s economy.

The Challenge

Today, more than 8,000 three- and four-year-olds across the state are unable to attend public preschool simply because there isn’t enough space. Hawai‘i’s shortage of classrooms means families are often left with long waitlists, high costs, or no options at all. The statewide goal: 405 additional classrooms by 2032.

The Solution

To meet the goal of 405 new classrooms, SFA is pursuing 3 key strategies to create more preschool space across Hawai‘i:

  • Renovate existing classrooms on public school campuses by converting underutilized spaces into preschool-ready environments.
  • Build new preschool facilities called Prekindergarten Hubs on state land to expand access. 
  • Invest funds in preschool projects that are being executed by other state agencies. 

SFA Introduces New 
Prekindergarten Transparency Dashboard

Want to know which public prekindergarten classrooms SFA has completed — or plans to construct — in your district? Curious how budgeted costs compare with actual spending, or whether a project has been approved? You can now find all those details in one place through a new dashboard developed by the Hawai‘i School Facilities Authority (SFA).

 

Rapid Progress

By using standardized classroom designs, SFA has been able to fast track construction and maintain high-quality standards. These ready-to-use templates have simplified both renovations and new builds, resulting in significant costs savings and accelerated timelines. Partnering with proven, pre-qualified contractors has also helped to expedite construction timelines. 

Honowai Elementary School in Waipahu

Before
After

Lincoln Elementary School in the Punchbowl area

Before
After

Preschool Expansion Projects Across Hawai‘i

A list of preschool facility projects supporting increased access to early learning statewide. 

SFA Prekindergarten Program

FY22-23 CIP Funds

Site NameIslandProject TypeOperatorClassroomsTotal Seats
Lincoln Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE116
Fern Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Kaewai Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Wahiawa Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Honowai Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE119
Pope Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Sunset Beach Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Waimea Elementary SchoolHawaii(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Wailuku Elementary SchoolMaui(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Hana High & Elementary SchoolMaui(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE118
Kilauea Elementary SchoolKauai(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Maunaloa Elementary SchoolMolokai(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Nahienaena Elementary SchoolMaui(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Haiku Elementary SchoolMaui(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE118
Pearl City Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Hahaione Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Ala Wai Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE117
Aina Haina Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Kuhio Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Kainalu Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE117
Parker Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE240
Waianae Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Nanakuli Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE240
Noelani Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE116
Lanakila Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE240
Solomon Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE240
Hookena Elementary SchoolHawaii(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Mauka Lani Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Kauluwela Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE119
Naalehu Elementary SchoolHawaii(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE354
Kihei Elementary SchoolMaui(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Kahala Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE240
Kapaa Elementary SchoolKauai(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE240
Pope Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Wailuku Elementary SchoolMaui(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Nanaikapono Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Honowai Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE118
Koko Head Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Iliahi Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Paauilo Elementary & Intermediate SchoolHawaii(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE116
Leihoku Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE240
Kahakai Elementary SchoolHawaii(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE119
Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE224
Red Hill Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE112
Scott Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE119
Kaala Elementary SchoolOahu(A) Minor RenovationsEOEL/DOE120
Pearl City LibraryOahu(C) InvestmentsHSPLS240
Malama Honua – Public Charter SchoolOahu(C) InvestmentsPCS120
UH Manoa Children’s CenterOahu(C) InvestmentsUHM8126
Total671,248