Hawaii

"Hawaii's governor this week signed a bill that expands the state's existing Preschool Open Doors program to fund subsidies for 900 children. The more than $7 million package is seen as a step toward eventually providing state-funded public preschool, but is less than half of what Gov. Neil Abercrombie originally proposed. Thousands of kids will lose services when the state's junior kindergarten program for late-born 4-year-olds expires in mid-2015."

"But helping senior citizens who are on the streets or facing homelessness can be especially challenging, he said, because seniors are often on fixed incomes, have greater barriers to employment and may need intensive medical care or additional services, including caregiving help. While Hilarion Phillip, 65, can live independently, he says he struggled to get off the streets after becoming homeless two years ago, largely because he couldn't find a place he could afford."

"A Windward Community College program aimed at helping low-income students get into - and complete - college has received a five-year, $1.15 million federal grant. Students enter the Educational Talent Search program in sixth grade and are offered intensive college and career planning counseling, including help with applying for financial aid."