Service providers protest
funding cuts, petition state

On Feb. 1, the Department of Health implemented budget cuts that reduced services to individuals with developmental disabilities by a minimum of 15 percent with some individuals losing 70 percent of their services, according to the Hawaii Waiver Providers Association. The cuts affect the Developmental Disabilities/Mental Retardation Program, which provides individuals with developmental disabilities or mental retardation supports and services that will enable them to live as independently as possible in the least restrictive environment.

The cuts “raised health and safety concerns for the most intellectually and physically vulnerable populations in our state,” reads a petition posted online by the group. “Basic health and safety protections are being compromised with little to no assistance being provided from the State to ensure people are safe despite the service reductions.”

The agencies provide services, such as: Adult Day Health; Personal Assistance; Respite; Habilitation; Supported Employment; Skilled Nursing; Training and Consultation; Personal Emergency Response System; Non-Medical Transportation; Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies; Environmental Accessibility Adaptations; Residential Habilitation; Emergency Shelter, Respite and Outreach; and Vehicle Modifications.

The petition notes that the nonprofits service providers now face additional financial hardships. “We are thankful for the support of Senate Bill 1679 which allows an allocation of the state's emergency funds to some services,” the petition states. “However, while the pending economic stimulus package will bring relief to Hawaii's Medicaid program, it is still uncertain that the DD/MR waiver program will receive an allocation allowing previous service levels to be restored or even continue.”

The Waiver Providers insist, “It is vital that the voices and impact stories of people with developmental disabilities who have suffered service reductions be heard. The day-to-day reality of the impact of government's decisions on this vulnerable population must not go unheard.”

The petition requests that the Governor and Legislature convene a public hearing to discuss these matters with the objective being to provide the necessary funding to restore the service reductions suffered by people with developmental disabilities. Click here for the petition.