In December 2018, Gov. David Ige reappointed Pankaj Bhanot as Department of Human Services (DHS) Director. As director, Bhanot also reappointed DHS Deputy Director Cathy Betts. Bhanot has served as DHS Director since September 2016, after the departure of former director Rachael Wong. Bhanot previously served as Wong’s deputy and had served as deputy for ...
Read More Dir. Pankaj Bhanot Returns for Another Year and Adds to His Team
NEWS
Due to the partial federal government shutdown, we will be issuing February benefits earlier than normal for most SNAP clients. Clients may see their February benefits by Jan. 20. We encourage clients to please budget carefully for these early benefits. We cannot provide additional assistance in February. More information is available from our federal partners ...
Read More Important Info about SNAP Benefits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services (DHS) has opened an application period for its Preschool Open Doors (POD) program 2019-2020 POD school year. We encourage families to apply between January 2, 2019 and March 29, 2019. Applications received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, ...
Read More Preschool Open Doors Now Accepting Applications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 23, 2018 Pāhoa, HI – Short-term food assistance will soon be available for families affected by the East Hawai‘i Kilauea volcanic eruption through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). The State of Hawai‘i Department of Human Services (DHS) will accept applications in Hilo and Kailua-Kona beginning Wednesday, July 25. “East ...
Read More Food Assistance Available to Those Affected by Eruption
HONOLULU – Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific (REHAB) is the first organization in Hawai‘i to launch Project SEARCH, a one-year program aimed at helping secure competitive employment for people with disabilities. In partnership with the Hawai‘i State Department of Health, Abilities Unlimited, Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Kalani High School, REHAB serves as the ...
Read More Project SEARCH Graduates First Student Interns
Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services (DHS) has opened an application period for its Preschool Open Doors (POD) program-2018-2019 POD school year, and encourages families to apply between May 1, 2018 and May 31, 2018. Applications received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2018 and June 30, ...
Read More Preschool Open Doors Additional Application Period Begins May 1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 20, 2018 Kailua-Kona, HI – The Department of Human Services (DHS) has temporarily closed its North Kona Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Processing Center. This office processes applications for financial assistance and SNAP. It also houses First-to-Work and Child Care Licensing offices. First-to-Work is currently at the Goodwill First-to-Work office, ...
Read More Kailua-Kona DHS Office Temporarily Closed
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Līhuʻe, HI – Some of the Department of Human Services (DHS) Kauaʻi offices will get a new home next week. Offices for the Benefit, Employment and Support Services Divisions will soon be located in one place at the former Līhuʻe Courthouse Building on Umi St. In anticipation of this move, the department ...
Read More Select DHS Kaua‘i Offices Moving This Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 15, 2018 Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services reminds families that they still have two weeks left to apply for its Preschool Open Doors (POD) program. The current open application period closes on Thursday, March 29, 2018. Applications received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during ...
Read More Open Application Period for Preschool Open Doors Program Ends Soon
Honolulu, HI – Two child care providers are celebrating a unique and prestigious honor: Helen McComber and Pegeen Echavaria are the first two home-based child care providers in Hawai‘i to achieve national accreditation. The Department of Human Services (DHS) and Windward Community College’s Learning to Grow Project come together to provide funding and technical assistance ...
Read More Family Child Care Providers Achieve National Recognition through DHS and Windward Community College Learning to Grow Collaboration