Thank you Chair Green, Vice Chair Chang, Chair Tokuda, Senator Wakai, and Senator Harimoto for this opportunity to testify in support of my nomination for the Director of Hawai‘i Department of Human Services (DHS). I am overwhelmed by this outpouring of aloha, love, and support for me. I am very thankful to Governor Ige for ...
Read More DHS Director Pankaj Bhanot Confirmed by Senate
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Talking the Talk: Messaging ‘Ohana Nui Our ‘Ohana Nui initiative is based on the national framework and principles of 2Gen, which was developed by Ascend at the Aspen Institute. Because DHS is leading the State of Hawai‘i in applying 2Gen principles, we have significant support and resources, including access to best practices that the Aspen ...
Read More Strategic Intention: Talking the Talk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 17, 2017 HONOLULU, HI – The Department of Human Services believes safe sleep in child care settings is a community issue and invites individuals to comment on proposed amendments to the Hawaii Administrative Rules. These proposed amendments will codify the department’s decade-long commitment to ensuring all licensed and registered child care ...
Read More The Department of Human Services encourages public comment on Safe Sleep rules
We Want You! “We want you! We want you! We want you as a new recruit!” Often paired with a red, white, and blue graphic of Uncle Sam, this slogan from years gone by recruited volunteers for armed forces. This timeless, undeniable call to action remains relevant to us today here at the Department of ...
Read More Strategic Intention: DHS Implementation of ‘Ohana Nui
The Department of Human Services filled the Hawai‘i State Capitol Auditorium with some of its brightest stars on Friday, November 4. The annual department incentive and service awards, organized by the Personnel Office, decked the often sterile room out with flowers and stars to celebrate our DHS team. Team members who served 10, 20, 30, ...
Read More DHS Celebrates Our Brightest
The Hawai‘i Says NO MORE campaign officially unveiled on Wednesday, November 16 at the Surfjack Hotel. NO MORE is a national public awareness and engagement campaign focused on ending domestic violence and sexual assault. Hawai‘i Says NO MORE is the local version of this inspiring initiative, through which we challenge the mindset and behaviors that ...
Read More DHS Says No More
It was a Saturday morning, and a large classroom was packed with teary-eyed people. Normally this would conjure a somber image, but, on Oct. 22, it was a vision of inspiration – of students with disabilities, their parents and caregivers, and providers inspired to grow, learn, and act together. One student who presented to the ...
Read More A Footstep to Transition
HONOLULU — State of Hawai‘i departments are coming together to increase opportunities and support for the employment of people with disabilities. The agreement was announced during a ceremony today that also celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the success of employees, employers, and training programs that have brought down barriers to employment for people ...
Read More Coordinated state efforts aim to increase employment for people with disabilities
During the month of October 2016, the Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) organized four walks on three islands to raise awareness of the importance of the white cane for those who are blind, deaf and blind or visually impaired. The walks garnered support and attention from across the community and even ...
Read More White Cane Walk 2016