“Mandatory kindergarten builds on this administration’s early childhood education initiative by providing continuity in a child’s learning experience,” Abercrombie said in a press release.

Senate Education Chairwoman Jill Tokuda, who introduced the bill, said, “Establishing mandatory kindergarten is an important part of creating our early learning system, especially as we call upon students to develop deeper levels of understanding through the Common Core.”

“There is no greater core function of government than providing our children the opportunity to succeed in life through public education,” said House Education Chairman Roy Takumi said.

Photo: The governor signs the bill as education officials and lawmakers look on. (Abercrombie Administration)

—Chad Blair