Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is upgrading its databases that maintain medical, food assistance and financial case information.  As a result, some DHS databases will be temporarily shutdown between Thursday, Sept. 26 and Monday, Sept. 30, 2013.  All DHS services will be restored on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013.

During the upgrade period, DHS Processing Centers across the state will be open for business as usual.  DHS staff will continue to accept applications, schedule and conduct interviews, and assist clients as needed.  Current DHS clients will not experience any interruption of services.

The temporary shutdown will impact only first-time applicants for financial assistance, Med-QUEST health insurance coverage, and food stamps (SNAP).  Applicants determined newly eligible for benefits during the three-day upgrade period will begin receiving their benefits on Oct. 1, 2013.

The DHS has mailed letters to its current clients explaining the temporary shutdown, and notifying them that they will not experience any interruption of service.  A public notice also is posted on the DHS website https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/inter-communication; and the federal Food and Nutrition Service has been notified.  Additionally, the DHS has informed food pantries and other food banks about a possible increase in food assistance between Sept. 26 and 30.

The current DHS databases are 25 years old and do not meet mandates of the federal Affordable Care Act.  As part of the systems upgrade, department engineers also are integrating the Kauhale (Community) On-Line Eligibility Assistance (KOLEA) on-line Med-QUEST eligibility system.  KOLEA will transform access to Medicaid services across the state.