The average annual cost of child care in Hawai'i is $13,000 dollars.

Hawaii parents, pushing to make it more affordable took their message to the State Capitol Wednesday morning calling on lawmakers to invest in our keiki and make early child care and pre-school available for all families. 

The solution they say is to pass laws that provide tax credits for parents and fund pre-school programs in charter schools. 

One parent tells us paying rent and childcare is nearly impossible. 

"These are the issues we're trying to make relevant to our leaders so they know there needs to be an investment made in these children so they can reach their potential, they can grad from high school and can in turn invest back into this community," Executive Director of Imua Family Services Dean Wong said. 

According to the Hawai'i Children's Action Network about half of all 3 and 4-year-olds in Hawai'i are not enrolled in pre-school.

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