Department of Human Services

‘Ohana Nui, the Catalyst for Something Historic On a typical Wednesday morning in April, something “awesome,” “inspiring” and “historic” happened. As has always been part of the master plan, ‘Ohana Nui would first be introduced to the DHS team and then rolled-out to the community as an expectation for non-profits that DHS funds. That is, ...
Read More Strategic Intention: The Catalyst for Something Historic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1, 2017 Additional Open Application Period Begins May 1 for Preschool Open Doors Program Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services (DHS) has opened an additional application period for its Preschool Open Doors (POD) program and encourages families to apply between May 1 and May 31, 2017.  Applications received during ...
Read More [ARCHIVED] NEWS RELEASE: Additional Preschool Open Doors Application Period Open

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 24, 2017 Hawai‘i’s Medicaid Director Leads on National Stage HONOLULU, HI – Hawai‘i’s Med-QUEST Director Dr. Judy Mohr Peterson was named president of the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) board of directors last week. Dr. Mohr Peterson was elected to this leadership role by her fellow Medicaid directors from across ...
Read More NEWS RELEASE: Hawaii’s Medicaid Director Leads on National Stage

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

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

HONOLULU, HI – The Department of Human Services has adopted safe sleep provisions into its administrative rules, further strengthening its responsibility to keep infants safe in regulated child care settings. These amendments codify the department’s decade-long commitment to ensuring all licensed and registered child care providers follow safe sleep best practices. The rule went into ...
Read More The Department of Human Services Adopts Safe Sleep Rules

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 23, 2017 Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply for its Preschool Open Doors (POD) program between Monday, January 23 and Friday, March 31, 2017.  Applications received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. This program, ...
Read More [ARCHIVED] Open Application Period Begins January 23 for Preschool Open Doors Program

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