Department of Human Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2016

White Cane Walks Raise Awareness and Empower Blind and Visually Impaired

Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Ho‘opono Services for the Blind celebrates the 24th annual White Cane Safety Awareness Day Walk across the state. Four walks taking place on three islands aim to increase the public’s awareness of the long white cane and its significance for persons who are blind and visually impaired.

On October 6, 1964, Congress passed a joint resolution that was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim October 15 of each year as “White Cane Safety Day.” In 2011, the day was also named “Blind Americans Equality Day” by Pres. Barack Obama.

This year, Ho‘opono will sponsor four events celebrating this important day:

Oct. 13: Līhu‘e, Kaua‘i
The walk starts at the state building and ends at the County Civic Center. For more information, contact Doug Moises, President of the National Federation of the Blind, Kaua‘i Chapter at 482-1115

Oct. 14: Kona, Hawai‘i
The walk begins at Hale Halawai. For more information contact Sally Hammond, President of the National Federation of the Blind, West Hawai‘i Chapter at 345-7065.

Oct. 21: Honolulu, O‘ahu
The walk starts at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol Rotunda and ends at ‘Iolani Palace. For more information, contact Gavan Abe, Community Services Coordinator for Ho‘opono Services for the Blind at 586-5271.

Oct. 21: Hilo, Hawai‘i
The walk begins at Wong Stadium lower level; registration opens at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Theone Suzuki Ho‘opono Rehabilitation Teacher for the Blind, 974-6444.

The Honolulu event typically attracts 200 to 300 participants with a ceremony to begin and light refreshments at ‘Iolani Palace to celebrate at the end.

The public and media are welcome to join DHS and Ho‘opono Services for the Blind for any of the four events and support blind and visually-impaired individuals of Hawai‘i.

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About Ho‘opono Services for the Blind
Ho‘opono Services for the Blind provides comprehensive and specialized services that meet the various needs of individuals who are blind, both deaf and blind, or visually impaired. The goal of Ho‘opono is to enable blind and visually impaired adults to attain maximum vocational and functional independence. In the last year, Ho‘opono served more than 500 individuals through services like blindness skills training, the summer employment program, vocational rehabilitation, the Hawai‘i Business Enterprise Program, low vision clinic, and other services that support individuals living with blindness and visual impairments.

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Media Contact:
Keopu Reelitz, Public Information Officer
Department of Human Services
Email: [email protected]
Cell Phone: 372-4704