Hawaii 24/7

MEDIA RELEASE The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made funds available that enable the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide eligible farmers markets and direct marketing farmers with free electronic benefit transfer (EBT) equipment to process Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Administered through the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC), the […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The Department of Human Services (DHS) Med-QUEST Division (MQD) eligibility system, KOLEA, will be down for maintenance from 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 through noon Monday, Jan. 19. The scheduled system enhancements include changes to both the client and worker portals. They will improve program integrity and help eligible individuals obtain and maintain […]

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MEDIA RELEASE On July 1, the state Department of Human Services (DHS) will launch Imua Kakou, its new young adult voluntary foster care program designed to help young adults transition to adulthood, independence and self-sufficiency. Signed one year ago by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Act 252 (Senate Bill 1340 – Relating to Foster Care) allows former […]

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MEDIA RELEASE Gov. Neil Abercrombie is welcoming the return of Patricia McManaman as director of the Department of Human Services (DHS), effective Monday, following a short leave of absence. “I’m happy to see Pat back in a position to build on the solid foundation she has built in the department,” Abercrombie said. “Mahalo to Deputy […]

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MEDIA RELEASE “The Department of Human Services (DHS) is committed to eliminating all fraud, waste and abuse. The Department appreciates the assistance of the Legislature and the State Auditor’s Office to help identify areas to reduce medical assistance program costs and to improve program integrity,” said DHS Director Patricia McManaman. “The Auditor’s Report, however, relied […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The state Department of Human Services (DHS) has been awarded a federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) bonus of $724,139 for the most improved Program Access Index for fiscal year 2012. Formerly called Food Stamps, the federally funded SNAP program provides crucial food and nutritional support to qualifying low-income and needy households. SNAP […]

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MEDIA RELEASE Due to continuing non-compliance with state Licensing of Group Child Care Centers and Group Child Care Homes regulatory requirements (HAR §17-892.1), the Department of Human Services (DHS) Childcare Licensing Unit has suspended the operating license of Kids Play Corner, Inc. dba Busy Buddies Hawaii, in Kailua Kona, effective Wednesday, July 3, 2013. This […]

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MEDIA RELEASE Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law on Friday, June 21, 2013, two bills that increase the sustainability of hospitals and nursing facilities in Hawaii. House Bill 879 enacted as Act 141, relating to the Hospital Sustainability Program, and House Bill 880 enacted as Act 142, relating to the Nursing Facility Sustainability Program, will […]

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MEDIA RELEASE Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law Friday, June 21, 2013, two bills that increase the sustainability of hospitals and nursing facilities in Hawaii. House Bill 879 enacted as Act 141, relating to the Hospital Sustainability Program, and House Bill 880 enacted as Act 142, relating to the Nursing Facility Sustainability Program, will leverage […]

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MEDIA RELEASE In the wake of a severe nationwide shortage of Tubersol and Aplisol, the purified protein derivative solutions (PPD) used in tuberculosis skin test examinations, the state Department of Human Services (DHS) is implementing Emergency Rules Relating to Evidence of Health Standards, effective May 20, 2013, for child care facilities licensed or registered by […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The Department of Human Services Med-QUEST Division (MQD) is canceling and rescheduling the current Annual Plan Change (APC) period. The new APC period will be June 17 – 28, 2013. Health plan changes will take effect Aug. 1, 2013. Reasons for the cancellation include the following: * Marketing by certain health plans was […]

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MEDIA RELEASE Due to repeated non-compliance with State Licensing of Group Child Care Centers and Group Child Care Homes regulatory requirements (HAR §17-892.1), the Department of Human Services (DHS) Childcare Licensing Unit is suspending the operating license of Kids Play Corner Inc. dba Busy Buddies Hawaii in Kailua-Kona. Suspension is effective the close of business […]

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MEDIA RELEASE Despite an improving economy, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is experiencing increasing enrollment in the General Assistance (GA) program. This is causing the Department to reduce per person benefits in order to keep the program within the budget appropriated by the state Legislature. Effective Feb. 1, 2013, GA payments will be reduced […]

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MEDIA RELEASE Looking for qualified and reliable employees to work for your business? The Department of Human Services (DHS) recommends hiring a graduate of SEE Work Hawaii, a dynamic statewide welfare-to-work program. Launched in 2005 as a Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, Inc. program and DHS community partner, SEE assists businesses with recruiting needs by sending […]

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