Hawai'i

Strengthening family supports through statewide collaboration, advocacy, and access
to resources for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Supporting Families in Hawai'i

Since joining the Community of Practice for Supporting Families in 2016, Hawaiʻi has worked to strengthen collaboration among state agencies, service providers, and advocates to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Led through a partnership between the Hawaiʻi State Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD) and the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities (HISCDD), the state’s Community of Practice focuses on coordinating services, strengthening advocacy opportunities, and improving access to information and resources across the islands.

What We Are Working On

Hawaiʻi’s Community of Practice brings together state agencies, service providers, and community partners to strengthen coordination and address shared challenges. Through regular meetings, collaborative planning, and statewide engagement, these efforts support communication, access to resources, and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Innovation/Focus Areas

Hawaiʻi’s Community of Practice focuses on strengthening interagency partnerships, supporting advocacy, and improving coordination of services and resources for individuals and families.

  • Statewide Collaboration: Quarterly Community of Practice meetings with providers and biweekly coordination between the Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD) and the Department of Human Services Med-QUEST Division (MQD) help address shared challenges. The Waiver Policy Advisory Committee also brings together DDD, MQD, and HISCDD to discuss waiver-related matters.

  • Advocacy and Engagement: Annual Day at the Capitol events and legislative forums across the islands create opportunities for individuals, families, providers, and advocates to connect with legislators, share resources, and discuss issues affecting people with disabilities.

  • Emergency Preparedness: DDD, HISCDD, and MQD collaborate on emergency preparedness and response efforts. Through statewide partnerships, agencies coordinate information and resources to support individuals with disabilities and their families during natural disasters.

State Team Members

Brandi del Mundo
East Section Supervisor
Case Management Branch, DDD
brandi.delmundo@doh.hawaii.gov

Scott O’Neal
West Section Supervisor
Case Management Branch, DDD
scott.oneal@doh.hawaii.gov

 

Wendie Lino
Community Resources Branch Chief
Hawaii State Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD)
wendie.lino@doh.hawaii.gov

Daintry Bartoldus
Executive Administrator
Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities
daintry.bartoldus@doh.hawaii.gov

 

Facilitators

Stacy Haitsuka

Training Unit Supervisor
Hawaii State Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD)
stacy.haitsuka@doh.hawaii.gov

Kasha Litecky

Chief, Case Management Branch
Hawaii State Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD)
kasha.litecky@doh.hawaii.gov

State Team Success Stories

Hawaiʻi’s Community of Practice continues to advance advocacy, strengthen statewide partnerships, and support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through collaborative initiatives and community engagement.

Day at the Capitol and Legislative Engagement

Hawaiʻi continues to host its annual Day at the Capitol event, providing opportunities for advocates to connect with legislators, public officials, state agency representatives, and community stakeholders.

Legislative forums held across the islands also bring together providers, advocates, and community resources to discuss important issues, strengthen relationships, and engage with elected officials.

Emergency Preparedness and Family Support

The Hawaiʻi State Developmental Disabilities Division, Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Department of Human Services Med-QUEST Division collaborate on emergency preparedness and responses to natural disasters.

Through its participation in the state’s Emergency Support Function 6 (SESF 6) Access and Functional Needs efforts, HISCDD helps coordinate information and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families. These partnerships have supported the distribution of important information and resources to individuals and families during natural disasters.

Advancing Decision-Making Rights

Hawaiʻi highlighted the passage of House Bill 320 (Act 284) in 2025, legislation addressing decision-making rights for individuals with disabilities. The legislation represents a statewide policy development focused on recognizing the rights of individuals with disabilities in decisions affecting their lives.

Resources and Highlights

Explore resources and tools available to individuals with disabilities, families, and professionals across Hawaiʻi, including information on transition planning, employment, financial supports, and workforce development.

Special Parent Information Network (SPIN)

Provides information and resources for families of children and young adults with disabilities in Hawaiʻi.

University of Hawaiʻi Center on Disability Studies: Family Engagement Transition Toolkit

A resource supporting family engagement and planning during the transition to adulthood.

Hilopaʻa Transition Workbooks

Workbooks designed to help individuals and families explore goals, identify supports, and prepare for life transitions.

Hawaiʻi ABLE Savings Program

Information about savings accounts that help eligible individuals with disabilities save for qualified disability expenses.

Hawaiʻi Association of People Supporting Employment (APSE)

Connects professionals and advocates working to advance employment opportunities and supports for individuals with disabilities.

DDD Workforce Development Training Incentive Program

A workforce development initiative supporting Direct Support Professionals and Service Supervisors providing services through Hawaiʻi’s 1915(c) waiver program.

Supporting Links

Hawai'i State Team Lead Partners/Agencies