Ho'opono Services for the Blind- HI GOV

10/28/2026

Congratulations to the newest graduates of our revamped in-person BEP training class. Allan and Robert are ready to take the next step in becoming licensed blind vendors at one of our county, state or federal vending facilities. Mahalo to our BEP staff, especially Tad, who has been working twice a week for the past few months with these two candidates.

10/21/2026

We had a great turnout with beautiful blue skies at the 34th annual White Cane Walk on Friday October 16. We had a great turnout and participation of blind consumers, students and teachers from the Department of Education, Hawaii Association of the Blind, NFB of Hawaii, Oahu Transit Services, Inc., Hawaiian Electric, District 50 Lions, Lanakila Pacific, and many more.

Mahalo to Governor Josh Green for proclaiming October 16, 2026 as White Cane Day, Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services Director Campos and Deputy Director Speer for supporting our program, Chief David Lazar and Honolulu Police Department (Official Site) District 1 team for their assistance at street crossings, Representative Jenna Takenouchi, Senator Joy San Buenaventura, Tyler Dos Santos-Tam for coming out to the walk and speaking to the walk participants, Iolani Palace for their hospitality for our walkers, Royal Hawaiian Band for allowing us to use your chairs, blind vendors- Ivy, Myles, Wanda, Evelyn, Les Paul and Don for donating drinks and snacks and Pepsi Hawaii for donating the water. And Hawaii News Now and KHON 2 for the great media coverage!

See you next year!

10/15/2026

Don't forget tomorrow, October 16, is White Cane Walk Day! Look forward to seeing everyone at the State Capitol Rotunda starting at 10am. Let's celebrate the white cane and how it signifies confidence, independence and empowerment for a blind individual.

10/13/2026

Yesterday was a reunion of sorts. Famous blind musician, Chris Cerna stopped by to visit with his friends from years ago. Pictured is Rachelle, Guywood, Chad and Chris in VHD 808 Snackshop at Hoopono.

10/13/2026

Congratulations Diamond Bakery Co., Ltd. For celebrating their 105th Anniversary yesterday! They’ve been a great community partner and have provided support to the a special girl who is blind that has been dealing with many health issues over the past few years.

10/09/2026

Congratulations to Gail who opened her new vending facility at the Leiopapa A Kamehameha Building aka State Office Tower at 235 S. Beretania Street, 2nd floor. Please stop by, say hello and check out the various drinks and snacks in her store.

09/24/2026

Don't forget that Friday October 16 is our 34th Annual Oahu White Cane Walk. It starts at 10am at the State Capitol Rotunda and ends at Iolani Palace. Please share this with others and see you there!

05/02/2026

May 1 in Hawaii is a significant day to celebrate Lei Day. Today is also a day to remember for the blind community in Hawaii thanks in part to the hard work that James Gashel has put in on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii along with the Hawaii State Department of Education's Exceptional Support Branch in finally getting HB1894, Hawaii Braille Literacy Act passed. Having the support of House Education Chair Woodson after getting so close last year to push this through the finish line.

We all know how important Braille is and individuals who are blind that are proficient users of Braille are more likely to be employed. This Act now requires the DOE to include Braille and provision of braille instructional materials under certain circumstances and provide Braille literary support services.

You can view the passing of this on the link below starting at 14 minute mark.

Room 229 Conference PM - 05-01-2026

03/03/2026

Blind Vendors Ohana, Inc. operates 10 vending facilities at the Daniel K Inouye International Airport. You might remember visiting one of their stores known as Pages and Pages. They sell various items, primarily bottled beverages and prepackaged snacks to the traveling public.

Check out this video that shows how they are providing employment opportunities to individuals with a disability.

At 22 years old, Mara Onichu has built a life defined by independence.Born in Chuuk and raised in Guam, Mara lost her sight at age three after being diagnose...

03/03/2026

Late Congratulations to our friend and colleague at the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, Matthew Brown, Managing Librarian who was the recipient of the 2025 Hawaii State Public Library System’s Librarian of the Year. Matt has done a great job since starting at LBPD to make the blind and low vision library patrons feel welcomed at their home library.

Extraordinary dedication. Humble leadership. Tireless outreach. Exemplary service. Trusted and beloved librarian. These accolades only begin to describe Matthew Brown, recipient of the 2025 Hawaiʻi State Public Library System’s Librarian of the Year Award. He was honored on February 18, 2026, at ...