Department of Human Services

Groundbreaking Glossary Page Provides Culturally Rooted, Inclusive Language for Understanding Hawaiʻi’s Diverse Rainbow Community FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 6, 2025 HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (LGBTQ+) Commission proudly announces the launch of a new Inclusive LGBTQ+ Glossary, a groundbreaking online resource designed to ensure respectful, accurate and affirming language ...
Read More HAWAIʻI STATE LGBTQ+ COMMISSION LAUNCHES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND STATE SPONSORED INCLUSIVE QUEER GLOSSARY FOR PUBLIC USE

This page is produced by the Hawai‘i State LGBTQ+ Commission and is dedicated to understanding and being able to use the correct terms when talking about the rainbow community from Māhū to LGBTQIA+ to QTPI+ to MVPFAFF+ and beyond. This list is not an exhaustive list and will be updated as appropriate. If you have ...
Read More LGBTQIA+ Terms Resources

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                May 07, 2025 HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women (HSCSW) is announcing its ongoing commitment to protect women from harmful and regressive policies implemented by the current federal administration. Policies that are actively threatening women’s rights and well-being impact four critical areas: education, economic security, healthcare ...
Read More HAWAIʻI STATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN MOBILIZES TO STRENGTHEN STATE PROTECTIONS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 17, 2025 (Updated FAQs June 9, 2025) HONOLULU  ̶  The Department of Human Services (DHS) is announcing the return of the SUN Bucks program for Summer 2025. Online application is now open. DHS is disbursing this benefit and working with the Hawai‘i Department of Education (DOE) to implement the SUN ...
Read More SUN BUCKS PROGRAM RETURNS FOR SUMMER 2025 BRIDGES SUMMER NUTRITION GAP FOR KEIKI

MEDIA ADVISORY What: The Hawai‘i State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Plus (LGBTQ+) Commission is proud to announce the inaugural Queer Day at the Capitol. When: Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Where: Hawai‘i State Capitol – Fourth Floor (415 S. Beretania Street). Who: This historic event will bring together Hawai‘i’s Māhū, LGBTQIA+, ...
Read More HAWAI‘I STATE LGBTQ+ COMMISSION ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL QUEER DAY AT THE CAPITOL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 24, 2025 HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Commission on Fatherhood (HS-COF) is pleased to announce its 2025 awards and sponsorship opportunities, which recognize and support fathers, businesses and nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening families and communities throughout the state. These awards serve to highlight the commission’s commitment to promoting healthy family ...
Read More HAWAIʻI STATE COMMISSION ON FATHERHOOD ANNOUNCES 2025 AWARDS AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  February 18, 2025 Link to video and sound (Details at the bottom of release) DHS Preschool Open Doors Priority Application Period Opens on February 18 for the 2025-2026 School Year Application period runs from February 18, 2025 – April 30, 2025 HONOLULU – Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke with the state’s Department of ...
Read More DHS Preschool Open Doors Priority Application Period Opens on February 18 for the 2025-2026 School Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 14, 2025 HONOLULU – The Department of Human Services (DHS) Preschool Open Doors program is still accepting applications to help families to better afford preschool for the 2024-2025 school year for eligible 3- or 4-year-old children. The final deadline to apply for the 2024-2025 school year is January 31, 2025. To ...
Read More DHS PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOL YEAR IS JAN. 31

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 12, 2025 HONOLULU – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved a five-year extension of the Hawaiʻi QUEST Integration Section 1115 Demonstration, solidifying Hawaiʻi’s commitment to advancing innovative Medicaid services that address the unique needs of its residents. This extension ensures that critical health and social services will ...
Read More DHS MED-QUEST DIVISION RECEIVES APPROVAL FROM CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES THAT EXTEND VITAL COVERAGE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 31, 2024 Hawai‘i Expands Medicaid Coverage to Provide Stable Health Care for Keiki HONOLULU – Hawai‘i families can have greater peace of mind when it comes to health care for their keiki, thanks to a new approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare ...
Read More Hawai‘i Expands Medicaid Coverage to Provide Stable Health Care for Keiki