The cost of living has risen, but the reimbursements for caregivers who take in foster children have been frozen for more than two decades.

Kaui Keola is an Aiea mother who is caring for two foster children.

That is in addition to three others she adopted, as well as her three biological children.

The $529 a month she receives for each of the two little ones barely covers their needs.

"The pre-school cost is $450 and that comes out of the $529, so the balance is what you are using for diapers, wipes car seats. You cut corners. We don't go to movies we don't go out," said Keola.

And there is little left for outside sports for her 9-year-old adopted son.

"I like to play football and baseball,” said Keolanui.

Lawmakers are being asked to consider increasing the aid, because the state stipend hasn't been raised in twenty-two years.

The low reimbursement makes it hard to find new families willing to take needy children in.

The Abercrombie administration supports the intent, but realizes the potential impact to the state budget.