On Saturday, parents and teachers gathered to send a message to lawmakers.

Some parents can't afford to send their children to pre-school. And studies show that can be a setback.

On Saturday, dozens came together to support an early childhood education bill.

One that would establish the first comprehensive early education system in the state.

Parents, teachers and even keiki spoke out.

"Keiki Steps helped me go to a bigger school, please save Keiki Steps for my sister, thank you," said Caleb.

And lawmakers listened as dozens united in support of what they said is a much-needed bill for early childhood education.

"It just really breaks my heart, because I know that there are families out there, who, we heard from a lot of testimony today saying that a lot of times the parents almost quote on quote have to sacrifice quality for affordability," said parent Celia Chang Takahashi from Ewa Beach.

A local study revealed that in more than 80 percent of Hawaii's kindergarten classrooms, most students were unable to demonstrate necessary pre-requisite math and literacy skills.

A startling statistic that Sandie Kelly knows all too well. She's a kindergarten teacher at Haiku School on Maui.

"It just broke my heart. It was like that was the thing, she didn't know her colors that would just be stuck in my mind because she could color but she couldn't identify anything," said Kelly.

For parents, the bill would ensure quality care and provide young children the skills they need to succeed.

"If we take that money and invest it in our young children, like my daughter, Conner, we'll see a huge return on that investment," Chang Takahashi said.

An investment that most lawmakers already know about.

"Many studies have shown, every dollar invested in early childhood learning, saves the state 7 dollars at the back end. There's lower dropout rates, there's a higher high school education rate, lower number of people in prison, lower number people on welfare. Those sort of savings down the road," said Rep. Roy Takumi, D-36th (Pearl City, Waipahu).

And parents hope down the road, this bill will help Hawaii's keiki and our future.

"If this bill is supported and then passed, will open up a lot of doors and possibilities," Chang Takahashi said.

After listening to Saturday's testimony, lawmakers may make changes before the bill goes to its next hearing.

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